The sweetener found in different products, including energy drinks, might double the risk of heart disease.
Many studies focus on different substances found in products and how they impact the health of human beings. Recently, a study published in Nature Medicine found that the artificial sweetener erythritol doubled the risk of heart disease and blood clots.
The study was conducted on 10 healthy people. When consuming products with erythritol, the platelet responsiveness went up in every subject. The study tested effects head-to-head by giving a separate group of 10 people a drink with the same amount of glucose. Dr. Stanley Hazen, who is the director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, spoke on the studies.
“This is the first head-to-head comparison of the effects of ingesting glucose versus ingesting erythritol on multiple different measures of platelet function.”
Originally, erythritol has been proven safe in other studies when used as a way to cut down on sugar and calories. However, erythritol has been used often in many energy RTD drinks. Many energy drink companies have started to replace erythritol.
Artificial Sweetener Linked To Risk Of Heart Disease & Stroke
When the blood clots, it can break off and travel to the heart or the brain. This links erythritol to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to the study.
The 10 people involved in the study were given drinks with 30 grams of the sweetener, which is the amount found in many sugar-free drinks or ice creams. This was to target the amount used in foods that are eaten most.
“This research raises some concerns that a standard serving of an erythritol-sweetened food or beverage may acutely stimulate a direct clot-forming effect.”
Artificial sweeteners, while a healthy alternative to sugar, do not come without their fair share of controversy. Many false claims and theories float around the Internet and now the rhetoric surrounding artificial sweeteners appears to be that of clarity for some and skepticism for others. The truth is that many of the products we consume have at least sugar or artificial sweeteners of some kind in them. That is what makes them taste good and provides for flavor where naturally it doesn’t exist.
There are many studies that debunk theories of these sweeteners being harmful but, seeking a more natural product is always a solid first step with anything.
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