Sugar Substitute Erythritol Linked to Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Study

Recent research has highlighted a number of previously unknown health risks linked to the use of sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners.

The findings of a new study raise serious concerns about the risk of cardiovascular problems from erythritol, a common sugar substitute sold under the brand name Truvia, which is also often mixed with other sweeteners, such as Stevia and Xylitol.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, which has become a popular artificial sweetener in keto-friendly foods, since it tastes like sugar, but has far fewer calories. However, there has been a growing body of research published in recent years, which suggests there are undisclosed health risks that may be associated with the sugar substitute, as well as other artificial sweeteners.

In a report published this week in the medical journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, led by Marco Witkowski, conducted a study comparing the health effects of sugar (glucose) to erythritol. The findings indicate erythritol may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Sugar-substitute Concerns

Although sugar substitutes are widely used in the diet community, the World Health Organization now warns that artificial sweeteners should be avoided by those trying to lose weight, amid a steady stream of studies that suggest the minimal benefits provided are outweighed by potential health risks.

In 2023, the same team of researchers that led this latest study published findings indicating users face an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes from artificial sweeteners, especially involving erythritol. Even small amounts of the sugar substitute were found to increase the risk of blood clotting.

Another study published last year by researchers from North Carolina State University warned about potential side effects of Splenda, which is another artificial sweetener containing sucralose, which was found to increase the risk of DNA damage, which may lead to cancer, intestinal inflammation and other health complications.

Yet another study published in 2022 indicated any artificial sweetener, like Equal, NutraSweet, and Splenda, may increase a person’s risk of heart disease.

Erythritol Cardiovascular Risks

For this new study, two groups of middle-aged participants were given water with either 30 grams of erythritol or 30 grams of sugar, or glucose. Both groups fasted overnight and had a blood draw in the morning. Thirty grams of erythritol is the amount typically found in foods sweetened with sugar substitutes, like erythritol or Splenda.

The data indicated consuming 30g of erythritol led to a greater than 1,000-fold increase in erythritol blood concentrations. More so, researchers said the sugar substitute was linked to an increased risk of blood clotting among participants compared to those who only consumed glucose.

While the study only measured the risk of cardiovascular disease at one point in time, instead of over many different occasions, researchers said the glucose given to participants was a low amount compared to the level of glucose commonly consumed in beverages. For example, Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar, but participants only received 30 grams.

However, researchers still recommend consumers avoid erythritol and other sugar substitutes to avoid increasing their chances of cardiovascular disease. Witkowski’s team hopes the evidence will trigger the FDA to look more closely at the data and potential adverse health risks.