A study conducted by researchers from the University of Colorado has led to the conclusion that the widely used sweetener erythritol is harmful. While popular due to its low calorie count, it adversely affects the cardiovascular system, raising the likelihood of stroke.
Erythritol is described as a sugar alcohol derived from corn and other starch-rich plants. It possesses very few calories. Specialists at the Cleveland Clinic carried out this research, involving four thousand volunteers. Their findings established a direct correlation between elevated levels of erythritol in the bloodstream and heightened risks for developing both heart attacks and strokes.
American scientists from Colorado performed an experiment examining the effect of erythritol on human endothelial cells at a concentration mirroring that found in a glass of a diet beverage. A reduction in nitric oxide production—the substance responsible for blood vessel dilation—was recorded, concurrent with an ascent in endothelin-1 levels. Furthermore, the experts witnessed an increase in the generation of free radicals, which cause tissue damage.
The investigators caution that just 30 grams of erythritol sparks platelet aggregation, a process that ultimately encourages the formation of blood clots. In 2023, the WHO issued guidelines advising against the regular consumption of artificial sweeteners for weight loss, as their proven long-term efficacy is lacking, while health risks are present.
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