Erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in a recent study. The study found that erythritol can make platelets more easily activated, leading to the formation of blood clots that can block blood flow in various parts of the body. This could potentially result in serious cardiovascular events, both fatal and non-fatal.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that has become a popular substitute for traditional sugar in foods and beverages. One reason for its popularity is its calorie-free and blood sugar-neutral properties, making it an attractive option for individuals who want to manage their sugar or calorie intake. Moreover, erythritol is commonly used in sugar-free products that are recommended for individuals with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, as they are at higher risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
Erythritol has a lower glycemic index (GI) than other sweeteners, which means it has a lower impact on insulin levels in the body. The GI measures how much specific foods increase blood sugar levels, and erythritol’s low GI makes it a preferred choice for individuals following a low-carbohydrate or “keto” diet. This is because erythritol provides a sweet taste without significantly affecting blood sugar levels, which is important for individuals on a low-carbohydrate diet who need to manage their blood sugar levels to achieve their dietary goals.
Moreover, the study adds to the growing body of research on the potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners. Despite being promoted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute, erythritol may have unintended consequences for cardiovascular health. This emphasizes the importance of conducting further research to investigate the potential health impacts of popular food additives, such as erythritol, to ensure that the public can make informed decisions about their dietary choices.
While the current study indicates that erythritol may pose risks to cardiovascular health, further research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate the potential mechanisms behind its effects on platelet function. Moreover, more research is needed to determine whether erythritol consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular events in the general population, particularly in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors.
ScienceSwitch 