Artificial sweeteners are commonly used to reduce sugar and calorie intake. Regulatory agencies generally consider them safe, but their long-term effects are not well understood.
Erythritol: A Common Artificial Sweetener
- Erythritol is a widely used artificial sweetener found in fruits and vegetables.
- When used as a sweetener, the levels of erythritol are much higher than naturally occurring amounts.
- Erythritol falls under the category of “sugar alcohols,” not always individually listed on Nutrition Facts labels.
Link Between Erythritol and Cardiovascular Problems
- A research team led by Dr. Stanley Hazen studied the relationship between erythritol and heart attacks and stroke.
- They found elevated levels of erythritol and other artificial sweeteners were associate with cardiovascular risks.
- Additional studies with almost 3,000 participants confirmed the association.
- People with the highest erythritol levels were about twice as likely to have cardiovascular events.
Understanding How Erythritol Increases Health Risks
- The researchers exposed human platelets to erythritol and found increased sensitivity to blood clotting signals.
- High blood erythritol levels sped up blood clot formation and artery blockage in mice.
Diet and Erythritol Levels
- Drinking a beverage sweetened with erythritol led to a 1,000-fold increase in blood erythritol levels in healthy volunteers.
- Erythritol levels remained elevated for several days, potentially affecting platelet function.
FAQs
Regulatory agencies generally consider artificial sweeteners safe. However, there is still little knowledge about their long-term health consequences.
Yes, low amounts of erythritol occur naturally in fruits and vegetables.
Studies suggest that elevated erythritol levels may be associate with an increased risk of cardiovascular events
Erythritol could potentially increase blood clot formation, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Erythritol falls under the category of “sugar alcohols” and may not be record individually on Nutrition Facts labels.
The research indicates that consuming erythritol can lead to elevated blood clot formation. As erythritol is prevalent in many artificially sweeten foods, further safety studies are warranty.
While regulatory agencies consider it safe, the long-term effects of erythritol require more in-depth research. Given the potential association with cardiovascular risks, it is essential to be mindful of its consumption.
Conclusion
Artificial sweeteners, like erythritol, have become popular alternatives to sugar, even within fitness communities such as CrossFit. While considered safe by regulatory agencies, research suggests a potential link between erythritol and cardiovascular risks. Further studies are needed to better understand its long-term effects, especially for those who follow rigorous exercise regimens like CrossFit. Being aware of the potential risks can help individuals, including CrossFit enthusiasts, make informed choices about their sweetener consumption.
