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SearchCleveland Clinic researchers have released updated findings showing how erythritol, a well-known sugar substitute, can put some individuals at risk for cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke.
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CLEVELAND - Cleveland Clinic researchers have been studying the effects of the sugar substitute “erythritol” on the body.
And what they previously found is that it could put a person at risk for cardiovascular events, like a heart attack or stroke.
Since then, they’ve conducted another study to confirm those findings.
"In this new study, what we did is we directly compared drinking a sweetened drink with either 30 grams of glucose, which is sugar, or 30 grams of erythritol. And what was seen is in every subject, who looking at before versus after drinking the erythritol, every platelet functional measure made was significantly enhanced,” explained Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, cardiology specialist for Cleveland Clinic. “So, there is every reason to believe that after drinking erythritol, there is a heightened risk of clotting, or thrombosis, but that was not seen with the glucose."
Dr. Hazen, who led the research, said erythritol is commonly used in baked goods, some candies and gum.
It’s just one of many sugar substitutes out there.
So, why is it considered unsafe?
Dr. Hazen said it has to do with how it can impact clotting, which can in turn put a person at risk for heart attack or stroke.
He notes their research is ongoing, but they have found similar trends with other sugar substitutes.
So far, no changes have been made as a result at the federal level, but it’s his hope that it could one day.
In the meantime, he suggests people steer clear of sugar substitutes.
"What I am recommending to my patients is to avoid the artificial sweeteners, avoid sugar substitutes, to try to eat whole foods, stay away from processed foods and shop the produce section,” he said. “Make your own food, then you know what goes into it."
As an alternative, he would recommend eating something with actual sugar in it -- but make sure it’s in moderation.
Adding honey to your food is also an option.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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