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New Research Raises Concerns About Erythritol and Heart Health

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute has unveiled troubling findings regarding the artificial sweetener erythritol. The study indicates that erythritol may increase the likelihood of developing blood clots and heart disease.

Erythritol, a common sugar alcohol, is frequently employed as a low-calorie sweetener in various food products, including baked goods, ice creams, sodas, and protein bars. This artificial sweetener has grown in popularity among those looking to reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness.

The ongoing debate over erythritol’s safety has drawn attention from both medical professionals and consumers alike. Although previous studies have linked erythritol to heightened risks of strokes and heart attacks, the FDA classifies it as GRAS (generally recognized as safe).

Examining the Study’s Findings

The study was published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology and involved a relatively small sample of only 20 individuals. Participants consumed water mixed with either 30 grams of erythritol or 30 grams of regular sugar, followed by blood tests thirty minutes later. Results showed that those who ingested erythritol displayed increased blood platelet activity, a precursor for clotting, while those who consumed sugar did not experience similar changes.

Dr. Nikki Bart, a cardiologist from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, emphasized the importance of caution in interpreting these results due to the limited size of the study. However, she acknowledged that this study is not the first to associate erythritol with adverse health impacts, referencing earlier population-based research connecting elevated erythritol levels to cardiovascular events in a larger cohort.

While Dr. Bart noted that the quantity of erythritol used in the study was significant—much higher than typically consumed from a single source—it underscores the necessity for more extensive research to establish a clearer understanding of erythritol’s long-term effects on cardiovascular health.

Implications for Zero-Sugar Diets

Though it is premature to draw definitive conclusions from this preliminary study, individuals managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease may want to reconsider their use of erythritol and similar sweeteners. Dr. Bart advocates for limiting all forms of sugar and sugar substitutes, pointing out that some of these artificial alternatives have been linked to serious health risks such as obesity and diabetes.

For those seeking sweetness in their diets, Dr. Bart recommends opting for whole fruits and vegetables, which not only provide natural sweetness but also come with additional nutritional benefits.

Reducing Blood Clot Risks

In addition to limiting artificial sweeteners, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for minimizing the risk of blood clots. The Mayo Clinic suggests several steps to reduce the risk:

• Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity
• Engage in regular physical activity, even light walking
• Stay adequately hydrated
• Manage high blood pressure effectively
• Avoid smoking

In summary, the relationship between erythritol consumption and health remains complex, with many unanswered questions. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and understanding the impact of artificial sweeteners on well-being will be essential as further research unfolds.

Source
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