Artificial sweeteners are growing increasingly prevalent in the U.S.—but according to new research, the impact they’re having on our health might not be so sweet.
A peer-reviewed paper that was published in a scientific journal Nature Medicine On Monday, expert speakers from the U.S. and German universities will speak. and The Czech Republic stated that there was little information about long-term cardiovascular effects from common artificial sweeteners.
The research team investigated the impact that erythritol, a commonly used sugar substitute, was having on people’s health.
They concluded that excessive consumption of the sweetener could have severe consequences—to the point of putting people’s lives at risk.
The preliminary stages of the studyThe analysis was done by the entire team blood Samples from over 1,100 individuals were taken between 2004 and 2005 and 2011. Researchers found high levels erythritol concentrations in the blood This was linked to Enjoying a heart In the following three years, there will be an attack, stroke, or death.
The scientists went on to Try it! blood Samples from 2149 individuals in the U.S. and Evidence of the connection between higher levels erythritol and 833 individuals in Europe and Increased risk heart Stroke, attack or death.
A third round of testing revealed that the chances of developing a heart disease was higher when consuming high amounts of erythritol. blood clots—which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
“Our findings suggest the need for further safety studies examining the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners in general, and erythritol specifically, on risks for heart attack and stroke, particularly in patients at higher risk for [cardiovascular disease],” They said so in the paper.
But, they pointed out that the aforementioned study There were some limitations to their findings. These limitations included the fact many participants were suffering from underlying medical issues that could limit the relevancy of the findings. to The general population was unchanged to Decide.
“However, in our sensitivity analyses, it should be noted that the clinical prognostic value of erythritol was widely observed, including numerous lower-risk subgroups,” These were added.
What exactly is erythritol, you ask?
Erythritol can be used as a food ingredient and Sugar substitute, which is not sugar, has zero calories.
It is one of most popular artificial sweeteners used in food. and It has been a growing trend thanks to its increasing popularity to It is found in many processed foods and keto-reduced-sugar foods.
Erythritol, which isn’t a novel or artificial substance, can be found naturally in small amounts in fruits. and vegetables. It is best to use it when you can. to It is used to sweeten processed food at 1,000 times the level of natural sugar.
In the U.S., however, the FDA does not require disclosure of erythritol in food or drink—which the researchers working on the study It was difficult because of that. to As an additive, track the levels.
Additionally, they noted that the FDA was not as effective in preventing drug abuse. and EU declared it the sweetener Safe, the majority of studies that have been done on this substance focused on its immediate effects on health.
Artificial sweeteners have been used, even though they are not natural. linked to type 2 diabetes, cancer and obesity In the recent past, they have been used more frequently in breakfast cereals, yogurt and candy. and You can also find a variety of foods and beverages.
previous study The consumption of sweeteners low in calories has risen by 20% among American children since 1999, according to a study. and 2012. research published in 2020 It was found that Americans were more likely to consume artificial sweeteners than sugar.
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