Erythritol would be associated with the formation of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks.
This is not the first time that a sweetener has been singled out for its potential harmfulness. This time, it is erythritol that would be associated with the formation of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks.
A study published on February 27 in the journal Nature thus suggests that this alternative to sugar, presented as “zero calories”, would not really be our ally in the event of large consumption.
Study of 4,000 people
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic in the State of Ohio conducted this study with 4,000 people in the United States and Europe.
And what they observed was that the health data of people with the highest blood levels of erythritol had an increased risk of a major heart event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Also, high levels of erythritol in the blood promoted the formation of blood clots. Poorly metabolized, erythritol accumulates in the blood until it is evacuated in the urine.
Sweeteners to watch out for
Dr. Stanley Hazen, chair of the Department of Cardiology and Metabolic Sciences at the Lerner Research Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and lead author of the study, summarizes:
Sweeteners like erythritol have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, but more research needs to be done on their long-term effects.
Before adding, in this press release:
Cardiovascular disease develops over time and heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. We need to make sure that the foods we eat are not hidden contributors.
beware, stay alert
The specialist further states:
It is important that further safety studies be conducted to examine the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners in general, and erythritol in particular, on the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers encourage these people at risk to talk about their diet to a doctor, a dietitian.