A common artificial sweetener has been linked to an increased risk of: Heart attack and strokeAccording to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic.
Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, is used to sweeten many low-sugar, low-calorie beverages and foods — especially low-carb or The “keto” diet Researchers say that this increases the number of blood platelets and increases the chances of blood clots.
The findings were published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
The team’s previous study, published in Nature Medicine, found that heart patients with high levels of erythritol in their bodies had a doubled risk of having a major cardiac event within three years.
“In this study, we directly compared drinking alcohol Sweet drinks “This medication should be taken with either 30 grams of glucose, which is a sugar, or 30 grams of erythritol,” senior author Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., co-section chief of preventive cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a video provided to Fox News Digital.
A common artificial sweetener has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic. (iStock)
This small study included 20 healthy volunteers, with an average age of 30 years, whose blood was taken after an overnight fast.
Participants were given water mixed with either 30 grams of erythritol (equivalent to a dose of artificially sweetened soda or baked product) or 30 grams of glucose.
After 30 minutes, another blood test assessed erythritol levels in participants’ plasma as well as platelet function.
Those who consumed the artificial sweetener had levels of erythritol that were 1,000 times higher than those who consumed sugar.
Erythritol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten many low-sugar, low-calorie beverages and foods, has been found to cause an increase in blood platelets and the formation of blood clots. (iStock)
“There is every reason to believe that there is an increased risk of clotting, or thrombosis, after drinking erythritol” — which could increase the chance of death. Heart attack or strokeHazen said.
This effect was not seen in patients who drank glucose.
“It appears that it is safer to drink glucose-sweetened beverages than erythritol-sweetened beverages.”
“Based on the current data, it appears that it is safer to drink glucose-sweetened beverages than erythritol-sweetened beverages,” Hazen said.
“I advise my patients to avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes, and to try new foods. wholesome food“Stay away from processed foods and shop in the produce section,” he said.
Statistics show that approximately 65% of adults in the United States consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily. (iStock)
For those who want something sweet Food or drinkHazen recommends using honey or fruit in place of artificial sweeteners, based on the data.
The doctor said that the same effect has been seen with other sugar alcohols as well.
Erythritol is classified as GRAS (“generally recognized as safe”) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority.
Hazen said there is no mandate to test it for safety, other than “the bare minimum.”
“I want to see this regulatory bodies Reevaluate the safety of sugar alcohol use.”
Ahead Clinical Studies According to the researchers, these trials are needed to measure the long-term cardiovascular safety of erythritol.
“I advise my patients to avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes, eat whole foods, stay away from processed foods, and shop from produce stores,” the lead researcher said. (iStock)
Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer of VitalSolutions, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based company that Cardiac and Anesthesiology Services The organization, which works for hospitals, was not involved in the study but said it raises “significant concerns.”
“Many artificial sweeteners have been studied and have historically been sold as healthier alternatives to sugar, but they have often been found to have significant side effects,” he told Fox News Digital.
Popular artificial sweetener, erythritol, may increase risk of heart attack and stroke: Study
“Other studies have shown that erythritol increases platelet activity, leading to abnormal blood clotting.”
Several other sugar substitutes, such as xylitol, have also been linked to adverse effects. health outcomesAccording to Servier.
“In addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, these artificial sugars often trigger the body to make more insulin,” he added.
According to a cardiologist, many other sugar substitutes like xylitol also have adverse health effects. (iStock)
“Insulin increases sugar cravings, so after eating artificial sweeteners, people tend to crave more sugar, leading to a negative effect that may lead to metabolic syndrome.”
In his cardiology practice, Servier said his patients often look for healthier options. high-calorie, sugary foods,
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“It’s important to tell them that it’s better to avoid these sugary alcohols altogether,” the cardiologist said.
He added that he hopes “this data will prompt the FDA to reevaluate the safety of erythritol.”
Industry group urges ‘extreme caution’
Calorie Control Council (CCC), an international association representing low- and reduced-calorie diets Food and drink The industry advised consumers to interpret the Cleveland Clinic study with “extreme caution.”
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“A limited number of participants were given excessive amounts of erythritol, approximately double to triple the maximum amount allowed in any single beverage in the United States, based on a standard 8- to 16-ounce serving,” Carla Saunders, president of the Washington, D.C.-based CCC, said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
The Calorie Control Council states, “For 30 years, science has shown that erythritol is a safe and effective alternative for reducing sugar and calories.” (iStock)
They reported that erythritol levels were measured only once, after intake.
“The pilot had no control over the plane Lifestyle factors “There are a number of things that can influence the results, introducing confounding factors and affecting the reliability of the findings,” Saunders said.
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They also added, “Furthermore, since erythritol levels were only measured at baseline and 30 minutes after intake, there is no way to demonstrate any lasting effects of excessive intake on any health outcome.”
“For over 30 years, science has shown that erythritol is a safe and effective alternative for reducing sugar and calories.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Cleveland Clinic for comment on the CCC’s status.
