Context:
The European Heart Journal study highlights sugar substitute xylitol and erythritol, may pose health risks by leading to blood clots and heart attacks.
Key Highlights of the Study
- Artificial sweeteners like Xylitol, which are commonly found in sugar-free chewing gums, low-sugar baked goods, mints, and even toothpaste, may lead to blood clots, thereby increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
The European Heart Journal (EHJ)
- It is an international, English language, official general cardiology journal of the European Society of Cardiology.
- It is the leading publication for cardiovascular medicine, covering both clinical and scientific aspects
About Xylitol (C2H12O5)
- It has a chemical composition similar to that of sugar but with fewer calories, making it a popular choice for people conscious about their health.
- It is often promoted as a safe sugar substitute, but these results highlight the need for caution, especially for individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Its high consumption can cause a state of hypercoagulability, where the blood has an increased tendency to clot.
- The heightened platelet reactivity induced by xylitol can result in the development of clots within blood vessels. These clots have the potential to obstruct blood flow in both arteries and veins, leading to serious cardiovascular events.
About Erythritol (C4H10O4)
- Last year, the research team found erythritol can also pose cardiovascular risk.
- It is a type of carbohydrate called a sugar alcohol, or polyol.
- It is unique from other sugar alcohols because it contains zero calories.
- It occurs naturally in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods and beverages.
- When used as a sweetener, erythritol levels are typically more than 1,000-fold greater than levels found naturally in foods.
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