Erythritol Sweetener Linked to Increased Health Risks

ISRAEL: A recent article published on the Jerusalem Post website by Judy Siegel-Itzkovich has shed light on potential health concerns associated with the popular artificial sweetener erythritol. The report highlights new research that suggests this sugar substitute may pose greater health risks than previously thought, potentially even surpassing the dangers of table sugar.

Background on Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

The article begins by referencing the work of Prof. John Yudkin, a British nutritionist who, in the 1970s, warned about the dangers of sugar consumption. His book “Pure, White and Deadly” challenged the sugar industry’s narrative, linking sugar to various health issues including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Following the growing awareness of sugar’s negative health impacts, artificial sweeteners gained popularity as a supposed safer alternative. However, recent studies have raised concerns about these substitutes as well, with potential side effects ranging from gastrointestinal issues to neurological changes.

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New Findings on Erythritol

The Jerusalem Post article focuses on recent research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, which adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that erythritol may present serious health risks. According to the study:

“A growing number of scientific studies now suggest that erythritol could present serious health risks including heart disease, stroke, and even death, and may even be worse for you than table sugar.”

Cleveland Clinic Study Details

The study, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen, involved 20 healthy volunteers who consumed erythritol at levels typically found in “sugarless” products. The results were striking:

“Results also revealed that participants showed a significant increase in blood clot formation after consuming the sweet carbohydrate, but no change was observed after consuming glucose.”

This finding is particularly concerning as it suggests that erythritol consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

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Implications and Recommendations

Dr. Hazen emphasized the importance of these findings, particularly for individuals at high cardiovascular risk:

“These findings underscore the importance of further long-term clinical studies to assess the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes.”

The article notes that despite these concerns, erythritol is currently listed as “Generally Recognized as Safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, meaning long-term safety studies are not required at present.

Calls for Further Research

The Jerusalem Post article concludes by highlighting the need for additional studies on the long-term cardiovascular safety of erythritol. As Dr. Hazen stated:

“Cardiovascular disease builds over time, and heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. We need to make sure the foods we eat aren’t hidden contributors.”

This new research adds to the ongoing debate about the safety of artificial sweeteners and underscores the importance of a balanced diet that limits both sugar and artificial sweeteners.