Artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, but their safety remains a topic of debate. A recent study published in ‘Nature Medicine’ sheds novel insights on the potential risks associated with erythritol, a commonly used artificial sweetener.

      The study, conducted across three independent cohorts of patients undergoing cardiac risk assessment, revealed that erythritol was associated with a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke. In addition, erythritol was found to enhance platelet reactivity in vitro and thrombosis formation in vivo, potentially increasing the risk of blood clots.

      The findings also showed that exposure to erythritol over a prolonged period could increase the risk of thrombotic events in patients who are already at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as those with diabetes, obesity, a history of CVD, or impaired kidney function.

      The results raise questions about the safety of erythritol and other polyol sweeteners commonly used as sugar substitutes. Patients should be made aware of the potential risks associated with these sweeteners and should discuss their use with their healthcare provider. As with all things in life, moderation and caution are key when it comes to artificial sweeteners.