A study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology has concerns about erythritol, a zero-calorie sweetener found in various sugar-free and low-calorie products. This research was led by Dr. Stanley Hazen from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that erythritol may increase the risk of blood clot formation leading to heart attacks and strokes.
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The study builds on previous research linking erythritol to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and death. It focuses on the impact of erythritol on blood clotting and cardiovascular health.
In a study, 20 participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed a drink containing 30 grams of erythritol, while the other group consumed an equal amount of glucose.
Participants who consumed erythritol showed an increase in platelet responsiveness leading to enhanced clotting activity.
No changes in blood platelet activity were observed in the group that consumed glucose. The study found that every measure of platelet responsiveness increased in participants after ingesting erythritol.
This study is the first to directly compare the effects of erythritol and glucose on platelet function. Unlike erythritol, glucose did not impact clotting.
The industry association defended erythritol’s safety, citing 30 years of research supporting its use. They argued that the study’s small sample size and the excessive erythritol dose used in the experiment should be considered when interpreting the results.
The study used 30 grams of erythritol, equivalent to typical servings in sugar-free products like sodas, ice creams and baked goods.
Zero-Calorie Sweetener is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in small quantities in fruits and vegetables. It is about 70% as sweet as sugar but contains almost no calories, making it a popular choice as a sugar substitute.
The compound is used in a variety of products including chewing gums, beverages and baked goods, particularly in the US and Europe. It is often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar due to its low-calorie content.
Zero-Calorie Sweetener has been classified as safe by major regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
For decades it has been widely used as an ingredient in food products without any restrictions. However, emerging research has prompted a re-evaluation of its health impacts.
The Cleveland Clinic conducted a study to investigate the effects of erythritol on blood clotting. Led by researchers Stanley Hazen and Dr. W. H. Wilson Tang, the study aimed to understand the relationship between Zero-Calorie Sweetener consumption and increased risks of heart attacks and strokes.
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The study involved 10 healthy participants who were given 30 grams of Zero-Calorie Sweetener in water, representing the average daily consumption of this sweetener in the US.
A separate group of 10 people was given 30 grams of sugar for comparison. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and 30 minutes after consumption.
Researchers used compounds at varying doses to prime the blood for possible clotting, allowing them to compare susceptibility to clotting before and after ingestion.
The study found that the blood of participants who consumed erythritol was more prone to form clots after ingestion than before. This was not observed in those who consumed sugar.
Higher levels of molecules associated with blood clotting were found in the samples of those who ingested Zero-Calorie Sweetener. These molecules are typically released by blood cells during clotting.
Sugar consumption did not show any effect on blood clotting, highlighting a unique risk associated with Zero-Calorie Sweetener.
Previous studies by Hazen’s team have linked high erythritol concentrations in blood with a doubled risk of heart attack and stroke. Animal experiments have also showed Zero-Calorie Sweetener’s ability to induce blood clotting.
The study also highlighted similar risks associated with xylitol, another sugar alcohol. Xylitol was found in products like sugar-free candies and toothpaste and it was linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes in previous studies.
Zero-Calorie Sweetener is a common ingredient in keto diet products, which many people use for weight loss and blood sugar management.
The potential risks associated with erythritol could affect the popularity and perceived safety of such diets.
People with metabolic syndrome or diabetes are often encouraged to use sugar substitutes.
The study may prompt consumers to consider other sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit, which do not carry the same risks. However more research is needed to fully understand the safety profiles of these alternatives.
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