Erythritol, a low-calorie sugar alcohol sweetener used in "keto-friendly" foods, baked goods, and candy, may be riskier for heart health than sugar.

Two previous studies found "potential links between the sugar alcohols"— erythritol and xylitol—and "an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes." Sugar alcohols may make blood platelets stickier and more susceptible to clotting.

In the latest study, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic examined the effects of erythritol and simple glucose on the heart by having 10 healthy middle-aged volunteers consume 30 grams of erythritol, and 10 consume 30 grams of glucose. Thirty grams is a normal amount in erythritol-sweetened foods, according to the lead author of the study.

The researchers tested the participants' blood around 30 minutes after consuming the sweetened drinks. The researchers found that those who consumed erythritol "had increased platelet aggregation—meaning the blood was more likely to clot," but those who consumed regular sugar had no changes in platelet aggregation.

In addition, blood erythritol levels increased by 1,000-fold in the group that consumed erythritol, but blood glucose levels only increased "slightly" in the group that consumed glucose.

The lead author of the study recommends avoiding sugar substitutes, particularly sugar alcohols, because of the "acute increase in the likelihood of clotting events once you ingest them."

The researchers said their data does not mean that regular sugar is safe. High sugar intake could affect platelets, especially among those with diabetes. Caroline Hopkins "Common low-calorie sweetener may be riskier for the heart than sugar, study suggests" www.nbcnews.com (Aug. 08, 2024).

Commentary

Although this study did not find an increase in platelet aggregation among those consuming sugar, that does not mean that sugar consumption is safe for heart health, or other aspects of overall health.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, "Americans consume too much added sugars, which can put their health at risk."

The U.S. government recommends consuming no more than 10 percent of total daily calories from added sugars. However, around 60 percent of Americans over the age of two consume more than the recommended amount. Each day in the U.S., men consume an average of 19 teaspoons of added sugars, and women consume an average of 15 teaspoons of added sugars.

The main sources of added sugars are sugary drinks, including "soft drinks, fruit drinks, sports, and energy drinks"; sweetened coffee and tea; desserts and sweet snacks; candy and sugars; and breakfast cereals and bars.

According to the CDC, consuming too many sugary drinks is associated with weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and tooth decay. "Be Smart About Sugar" www.cdc.gov.

Because obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure can impact the heart, consuming large amounts of added sugars could also be bad for heart health. As discussed above, consuming sugar alcohols could be even worse for heart health.

Here are some prevention steps for good heart health:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish and poultry, and maintain a regular schedule of moderate exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight to help prevent overexertion of the heart.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
• Drink no alcohol or only in moderation.
• Learn to manage day-to-day life stress with calm and perspective to keep blood pressure in check.
• See your health care provider regularly for checkups.