2 Sweet 4 U

According to the Statista Research Department, "141 million Americans indulge in sugar substitutes annually" despite evidence linking consumption to an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. At the time of print, approximately 45% of the MSM community reported using artificial sweeteners daily.

Chief among the more popular artificial sweeteners is erythritol, a sugar alcohol in your favorite reduced-calorie foods like cakes, diet sodas, frozen desserts, and protein bars. But, a report published by Nature Medicine on 27 February 2023 revealed that although erythritol may be good for the waistline, its impact on the human heart is potentially deadly.

A Cleveland Clinic research team led by Dr. Stanley Hazen believes that circulating blood levels of multiple artificial sweeteners, particularly erythritol, is associated with a "risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; includes death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke." The evidence suggests that study participants with the highest erythritol levels (top 25%) were twice as likely to experience a MACE over the span of three years as compared to those with the lower readings (bottom 25%).

Dr. Hazen suggests that sugar-free dietary options are often marketed toward "people who have obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome and are looking for options to help manage their sugar or calorie intake." But, artificial sweeteners are poorly digested by humans, and increased consumption causes elevated chemical levels in the bloodstream. In response to the metabolic shift, blood platelets become more reactive, forming clots at a higher rate.

Blood clots can cause an ischemic stroke, the most common type of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), accounting for 85% of cases. A potentially life-threatening event occurs when a clot or plaque buildup restricts blood vessels supplying nutrients to the brain. A brain lacking sufficient oxygenation and nourishment proceeds to irreversible cell damage or death.

It's important to note that artificial sweeteners are considered safe for consumption by regulatory authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The agencies state that erythritol is generally well-tolerated, and its long-term use is not associated with significant adverse effects for most people. Although, a growing consensus for continued research into the long-term impacts of the chemical on humans is warranted. If you have specific concerns or health conditions that may be impacted by consuming sugar substitutes, consider consulting with your Nurse Practitioner for personalized guidance.

Welcome to the MSM Peanut Gallery! Please take responsibility for your behavior as you enter this shared space. Keep conversations courteous and on-topic to foster productive, respectful communication. Review our Community Guidelines before posting.