Scientists from the Cleveland Clinic have found that the popular artificial sweetener erythritol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The research was published in the journal nature medicine.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 4,000 people in the US and Europe. It turns out that people with higher blood levels of erythritol have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death. Laboratory experiments on blood cells and volunteers have shown that erythritol contributes to the formation of blood clots.
Erythritol is about 70% sweeter than sugar and is produced by fermenting corn. It is almost not processed in the body and is excreted in the urine. Erythritol is used to make low-calorie foods that are often recommended for people with obesity or diabetes. People with these conditions also have a high cardiovascular risk, so it’s important to consider the possible effects of consuming erythritol.
The authors noted that their results did not prove erythritol’s harm for cardiovascular health, but only emphasized the importance of further research.