Artificial sweetener erythritol linked to heart attacks and strokes
New ScientistAPR 2 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.