Erythritol consumption linked to potential cardiovascular risks

Researchers are investigating the potential cardiovascular risks associated with erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in zero-sugar beverages and low-carb protein bars. While erythritol is attractive for weight management and diabetes control due to its minimal impact on blood glucose and insulin, recent studies suggest health concerns.

Studies have linked elevated blood levels of erythritol to increased blood clotting and potential effects on cerebral blood vessels. A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine involving over 4,000 participants found that those with the highest concentrations of erythritol faced approximately double the risk of heart attack or stroke within three years.

Stanley Hazen, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic, noted that concentrations observed after consuming erythritol-containing products can be dramatically higher than natural physiological levels. While current findings do not prove that erythritol causes these medical emergencies, they encourage more cautious examination of the widely used sweetener.