Another Artificial Sweetener Is Linked to Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

While everyone has a different level of sweetness that they prefer, one thing is sure: Humans love sweet. Since the beginning of time, we have enjoyed things that are naturally sweet, like fruits, and in more recent history items such as baked goods, candies, and sugary drinks. Unfortunately, we also now know that a diet too high in sugar, especially sugar from that second group of sweet foods, can lead to many health problems. For this reason, scientists came up with alternatives: Sugar-free sweeteners that are low in calories and allow us to indulge in our favorite sweet treats without the negative consequences. Or, at least, that is what we thought. A recently published study shows, yet again, that these sweeteners, particularly Xylitol, pose more risk to our health than otherwise.

Xylitol: The Not-So-Sweet Side

In a recent NIH-funded study conducted by a team led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic, a chilling revelation has been made about the risks associated with certain artificial sweeteners. The study has found a potential link between the consumption of Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. This finding has sent shockwaves through the health and wellness community and raised questions about the safety of commonly used sugar substitutes. (1)

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What are Xylitol and Erythritol?

These artificial sweeteners, xylitol and erythritol, belong to a class of compounds called sugar alcohols. They are commonly used as low-calorie sweeteners and sugar substitutes in various food and beverage products. Both xylitol and erythritol are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, with xylitol also being produced in the human body as part of normal metabolism. These sweeteners are used in a wide range of products, including sugar-free gum, candies, mints, toothpaste, and various low-calorie or diabetic-friendly food items. (2)

A History of Controversy

The use of artificial sweeteners has long been a topic of controversy, with previous studies and debates about their potential health impacts. Questions have been raised about the safety and long-term effects of these sweeteners, leading to ongoing scrutiny and research in this area. This is what lead researchers at the Cleveland Clinic to put xylitol and erythritol under a microscope, to find out if it is truly a better choice than just plain old sugar.

The Study

The recent study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic involved examining the relationship between xylitol and erythritol consumption and cardiovascular health risks. The researchers found that individuals with the highest xylitol levels were approximately 50% more likely to experience cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke over the next three years compared to those with lower xylitol levels. This alarming discovery raises concerns about the potential long-term consequences of using xylitol as a sugar substitute.

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The Study Details

The study involved a comprehensive analysis of over 2,000 individuals, using a method to distinguish xylitol from related compounds. The researchers also conducted experiments on human platelets to evaluate the impact of xylitol on blood clotting signals, as well as animal studies to assess the effects of increased xylitol levels on blood clot formation and artery blockage. Additionally, the team investigated the immediate effects of xylitol consumption by monitoring blood samples before and after participants consumed a xylitol-sweetened beverage.

The Results

The results of the study are alarming and suggest that both xylitol and erythritol could pose long-term cardiovascular health risks. Elevated levels of xylitol were linked to increased blood clot formation, potentially raising the risk of heart attack or stroke. These findings indicate a pressing need for further safety studies on sugar alcohols as artificial sweeteners.

“This study again shows the immediate need for investigating sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended in combating conditions like obesity or diabetes,” said Dr. Stanley Hazen. “It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events.”

What this means for consumers

In light of this study, consumers may be concerned about the safety of using xylitol and erythritol as sugar substitutes. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks, individuals may want to consider alternative sweeteners or limit their consumption of products containing high levels of xylitol and erythritol. Natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit could be considered as safer alternatives. Other options include honey, maple syrup, and (you guessed) just regular sugar. That being said, all sugar is sugar at the end of the day, so we should all be mindful of how much we are consuming, in no matter what form. It is essential for consumers to be informed about the potential risks and make mindful choices when it comes to sweeteners.

The Bottom Line

The association between xylitol consumption and increased cardiovascular risk, as revealed by the recent study from the Cleveland Clinic, raises significant concerns about the safety of artificial sweeteners. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the potential long-term health impacts of these sugar substitutes. In the meantime, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about the findings and consider alternatives for sweetening their foods and beverages. This study highlights the importance of ongoing investigation into the safety of artificial sweeteners and the need for thoughtful consumption choices to prioritize cardiovascular health.

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