Common artificial sweeteners are associated with an increased risk of: Heart attacks and strokesAccording to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in low-sugar, low-calorie drinks and foods, especially low-carb and low-calorie drinks and foods. The “Keto” Diet The researchers found that the drug caused a surge in platelets and the formation of blood clots.
The results of this study were published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
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A previous study by the team published in Nature Medicine found that heart disease patients with higher levels of erythritol in their bodies had double the risk of suffering a major heart attack within three years.
“In this study, Sweet drinks “Either have 30 grams of glucose (sugar) or 30 grams of erythritol,” lead author Stanley Hazen, M.D., co-director of preventive cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a video provided to Fox News Digital.
A new study from the Cleveland Clinic finds that common artificial sweeteners are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. (iStock)
The small study involved 20 healthy volunteers with an average age of 30, who had their blood drawn after an overnight fast.
Participants drank water mixed with 30 grams of erythritol (similar to the amount found in artificially sweetened sodas and baked goods) or 30 grams of glucose.
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Thirty minutes later, blood was drawn again to assess participants’ plasma erythritol levels and platelet function.
The researchers found that people who consumed artificial sweeteners had erythritol levels more than 1,000 times higher than those who consumed sugar.
Erythritol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many low-sugar, low-calorie drinks and foods, has been found to cause a surge in platelets and blood clot formation. (iStock)
“There is reason to believe that the risk of thrombosis is increased after drinking erythritol” – this is Heart attack or strokeHazen said.
The effect was not seen in patients who took glucose.
“It appears that drinking drinks containing glucose is safer than drinking drinks containing erythritol.”
“Based on the current data, it appears safer to drink beverages sweetened with glucose than beverages sweetened with erythritol,” Hazen said.
“I encourage my patients to avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes. Whole FoodsAvoid processed foods and shop in the produce section.”
Statistics show that approximately 65% of American adults consume sugary drinks daily. (iStock)
For those who want to sweeten their foods and drinks, Hazen’s evidence-based recommendations include using honey or fruit instead of artificial sweeteners.
The doctor noted that similar effects have been observed with other sugar alcohols.
Erythritol is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority.
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Hazen said there is no requirement to test for safety other than “the bare minimum.”
“I would like to see Regulatory bodies Reassess the safety of sugar alcohol use.”
Further afield Clinical Research According to the researchers, new studies are needed to determine the long-term cardiovascular safety of erythritol.
“I encourage my patients to avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes, eat whole foods, avoid processed foods and shop in the produce section,” the lead researcher said. (iStock)
“These findings are a major step forward for the FDA in treating patients with pulmonary circulation disorders,” said Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at Cincinnati, Ohio-based VitalSolution. Cardiovascular and Anesthesiology Services An expert who tests patients taken to hospital, who was not involved in the study, said it raised “serious concerns”.
“Many artificial sweeteners have been studied and historically marketed as healthy alternatives to sugar, but 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
“Some studies have shown that erythritol increases platelet activity, leading to abnormal blood clot formation.”
Other sugar substitutes, such as xylitol, have also been associated with side effects. Health effectsAccording to Sarwar.
“Not only do these artificial sugars increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but they also often trick the body into producing more insulin,” he said.
Cardiologists say other sugar substitutes such as xylitol are also known to have adverse health effects. (iStock)
“Insulin increases sweet cravings, so consuming artificial sweeteners can lead to even more sugar cravings, potentially causing adverse effects that lead to metabolic syndrome.”
Cardiologist Sarwar said patients often seek healthier alternatives. High calorie, high sugar foods.
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“It’s important to let patients know that it may be best to avoid these sugar alcohols completely,” the cardiologist said.
He said he hopes “this data will prompt the FDA to reevaluate the safety of erythritol.”
Industry groups urge “utmost caution”
The Calorie Control Council (CCC) is an international organization representing low- and reduced-calorie foods. Food and Beverage Industry representatives 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 — standard 8- to 16-ounce servings — nearly two to three times the maximum amount allowed in a single beverage in the United States,” Carla Sanders, president of the Washington, D.C.-based CCC, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“For 30 years, science has proven that erythritol is a safe and effective option for reducing sugar and calories,” says the Calorie Control Council. (iStock)
Erythritol concentrations were measured only once after ingestion, she noted.
“The pilot was out of control. Lifestyle factors “That could potentially affect the results, introduce confounding variables and affect the reliability of the findings,” Sanders added.
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“Furthermore, because erythritol concentrations were only measured at the start of ingestion and 30 minutes after ingestion, there is no way to prove any lasting health effects of excess consumption,” she said.
“For 30 years, science has proven that erythritol is a safe and effective option for reducing sugar and calories.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Cleveland Clinic for comment on the CCC’s position.
