Key Update

A recent study from the Centre for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute suggests that erythritol, a sugar substitute, may increase the risk of blood clotting, stroke, heart attack and even death. Manufacturers commonly use this sugar alcohol to add bulk or sweetness to stevia, monk fruit and keto-friendly reduced-sugar products. Lead study author Dr Stanley Hazen says people with existing heart-disease risk factors, such as diabetes, faced twice the risk of heart attack or stroke when they had the highest levels of erythritol in their blood.

Findings

Further laboratory and animal research in the paper found that erythritol appeared to make blood platelets clot more readily. The Calorie Control Council, an industry association, told CNN that the findings contradict decades of research supporting the safety of reduced-calorie sweeteners such as erythritol. However, Dr Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health, recommends limiting its intake for now, given the study’s concerning findings.