Artificial Sweetener Erythritol Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk

New Study Raises Concerns About Popular Sweetener

Researchers Find Erythritol May Harm Heart Health

New research from the Cleveland Clinic has found that erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that people who consumed the highest amounts of erythritol had a 7% higher risk of heart attack than those who consumed the lowest amounts.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is often used as a substitute for sugar in foods and beverages. It is about 60% as sweet as sugar, but it contains no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. Erythritol is found in a variety of products, including diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and protein shakes.

The new study is the first to examine the link between erythritol and heart attack. The researchers analyzed data from over 100,000 adults who participated in the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. They found that people who consumed the highest amounts of erythritol had a 7% higher risk of heart attack than those who consumed the lowest amounts.

The researchers say that their findings suggest that erythritol may not be as safe as previously thought. They recommend that people who are concerned about their heart health should limit their intake of erythritol.