Erythritol and Heart Risk: What the Cleveland Clinic Study Finds

New findings from researchers at the Cleveland Clinic suggest that the popular sugar substitute erythritol may raise the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. The study appears in Nature Medicine. The researchers examined data from more than 4,000 individuals across the United States and Europe, identifying a link between higher circulating erythritol levels and increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Laboratory tests on blood cells and studies with volunteers indicated that erythritol could promote the formation of clots, a potential mechanism behind these associations. While the results point to a possible risk, the authors stress that they do not prove causation and call for additional research to confirm the findings and clarify how erythritol might influence cardiovascular health. This context is especially relevant for people managing obesity, diabetes, or other cardiovascular risk factors, where erythritol is commonly used as a low-calorie alternative to sugar. Further work will be needed to understand the implications for dietary choices and clinical guidance. — attribution: Nature Medicine; Cleveland Clinic study.