Artificial sweetener erythritol linked to heart attacks and strokes
New ScientistJUL 2023
This survey is significant because these days erythritol is found in many products to replace table sugar in low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, and "keto" products. People with obesity or diabetes are often recommended to use this chemical to help manage their sugar or calorie intake. Further studies on the long-term effects of Erythritol, which is 70% as sweet as sugar, and artificial sweeteners in general, are necessary to find out if they increase the risks of heart attack and stroke among the general population. This is a serious finding.
There is no need to exaggerate the importance of this study. The researchers in Ohio have revealed only a correlation, not causation, which is also something that the authors also clearly say: they have found an association between erythritol and clotting risk but no definitive proof of such a link. If excess erythritol can cause adverse reactions, this must be balanced against the health risks of excess glucose consumption.