Artificial sweeteners linked to heart attack, stroke risk, study finds Smart News

The artificial sweetener erythritol is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a study published in the journal Monday. natural medicine.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits and vegetables, but is found in much higher amounts in processed foods. Widely used in sugar substitutes and reduced sugar products. Because erythritol is ubiquitous, some people have higher than normal levels of erythritol in their blood. new scientistof Claire Wilson may have an increased risk of blood clots.

Some experts say factors other than erythritol may be involved, while others argue that artificial sweeteners aren’t as bad as added sugar. , some researchers advise consumers to be aware of what they are eating.

“Obviously more research is needed, but with great caution, it may make sense to limit erythritol in the diet for now. Andrew Freemana cardiologist at the National Jewish Health Hospital, who did not contribute to the study, said: CNNof Sandy Lamott.

Recently, erythritol has become more common in foods. 2022 report According to NielsenIQ research, sales of foods containing this sweetener have increased 43% over the past two years. Artificial sweeteners are generally considered safe by regulators, but little is known about their long-term health effects, the study authors wrote.

“We have work to do on all of artificial sweeteners.” Kimber StanhopeA research nutritional biologist at the University of California, Davis, who did not contribute to the paper, said: statistics news‘ Matthew Helper. “It’s ridiculous how understudied they are.”

In fact, research into artificial sweeteners wasn’t the original goal of the new study. They studied the blood of 1,157 people undergoing cardiac risk assessment and followed them for 3 years to document heart attack, stroke, or death. I found it to be at the top of the list. Stanley HazenCo-author of the study and medical scientist at the Cleveland Clinic said: United States of America todayof Karen Weintraub.

To confirm this finding, they examined the blood of 2,149 participants in the United States and 833 participants in Europe who had undergone elective cardiac evaluation. After taking other factors into account, the risk of heart attack or stroke over the next three years was about doubled compared to people in the top 25% of people with erythritol levels. The bottom 25 percent, according to new scientist.

About 75% of the participants in these two studies had coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, and about 20% had diabetes, Hazen told CNN.

In the final study, eight participants at low risk of heart attack or stroke consumed foods and drinks containing 30 grams of erythritol. , remained elevated for several hours.

“For people at risk for blood clots, heart attack and stroke, such as those with pre-existing heart disease and diabetes, I think there is enough data here to say stay away from erythritol until further research is done.” Hazen told CNN.

The study does not prove that higher levels of erythritol cause heart attacks or strokes.pointed out by several experts statistics news Instead, a condition that causes heart disease may have led to high levels of erythritol produced naturally in the body.

Despite erythritol’s potential risks, some scientists say it may be less harmful. “If you’re diabetic and have a choice between eating sugar or eating this, I’d bet on this.” Karen AspriA clinical cardiologist at Brown University, who was not involved in the study, said: statistics news.

However, some recommend caution with erythritol for the time being until further research is done. Kirsten HillerA biochemist at the Technical University of Braunschweig in Germany said: United States of America today.