One of the most commonly used sugar alcohols is erythritol, which occurs naturally in certain fruits and vegetables and is produced commercially by fermenting a simple sugar called dextrose found in corn.
However, erythritol has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, for example in 2023. A published study found that erythritol consumption is associated with an increased risk of circulatory diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
“Our previous studies showed that elevated blood erythritol levels were associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death,” said Stanley L. Hazen, MD.
He is with his colleagues recently published a study in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biologywhich states that taking erythritol may increase the risk of blood clots.
Erythritol levels in the blood are dramatically increased
For this study, SLHazen and his team recruited 20 healthy volunteers – non-smokers, free of cardiovascular disease and free of bleeding disorders.
Ten volunteers received water mixed with 30 g of glucose, and the other ten received water mixed with 30 g of erythritol.
“The amount of erythritol used is exactly what is commonly added to processed foods and artificially sweetened beverages,” explained SLHazen.
After analysis, the researchers found that the blood levels of the compound increased more than 1,000 times in the participants who received erythritol.
Risk of blood clots
The researchers also found that taking erythritol significantly increased platelet activity and therefore increased the risk of blood clots. In comparison, participants who took glucose showed no changes.
“We showed that in this small group of healthy volunteers, after eating erythritol, platelets became more hyperreactive, that is, more strongly activated to a submaximal stimulus, which can increase the risk of blood clots,” emphasized SLHazen.
According to him, the results of the study reveal a risk to public health. It has been observed that people who are at the highest risk of having a heart attack or stroke are more likely to use sugar substitutes. Paradoxically, they are not getting a safe sugar alternative, but an erythritol-flavored food or drink.
“We plan to investigate the prothrombotic effects of alternative sugar substitutes, including both alternative sugar alcohols and common artificial sweeteners,” SLHazen said.
Is there a “healthy” sugar substitute?
Cardiologist Yu-Ming Ni of California, USA, who reviewed the study, pointed out the small size of the study, but acknowledged that its results are a cause for concern.
According to the doctor, this makes you wonder if it is worth looking for sugar substitutes. Or is it better to just reduce its consumption?
“I’d rather have honey or maple syrup than an artificial sweetener.” And I know that I myself will definitely check whether I have products with erythritol at home and get rid of them,” said the specialist.
Registered dietitian Monique Richard also emphasized that the new study reinforces distrust of artificial sweeteners.
The risk, she says, arises because sugar substitutes are presented as “healthier,” which encourages people to consume products containing them in unreasonable abundance. So, shoppers load sweets in their baskets and naively hope that they won’t harm health.
“It’s important to understand that demonizing sugar and labeling it as a ‘toxic’ or ‘avoid at all costs’ ingredient is generally not helpful, sustainable or necessary. However, it is necessary for people to understand what a healthy consumption of sugar can look like or alternatives that can be suitable”, emphasized M. Richard.
She advised to monitor the consumption of sugar and its substitutes – read product labels. It is also important to understand the nuances of terminology.
“Sugar-free” does not mean “no nutritional sweeteners,” the nutritionist emphasized.
She advised discussing your diet with a licensed nutritionist.
And in order to naturally sweeten dishes, side dishes and satisfy the need for sweets, M. Richard suggested using:
– honey;
– maple syrup;
– coconut or date sugar;
– fruit;
– jam or chutney.
Stevia is also a natural and non-caloric sweetener. However, it is important to remember that natural or minimally refined sugars must be consumed in small quantities and as part of a healthy diet.
Parengta pagal „Medical News Today“ inf.
2024-08-16 19:58:39