Erythritol: The Sweetener That Could Clot Your Blood?

A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic has raised alarms about the potential heart health risks associated with erythritol, a commonly used artificial sweetener. Researchers discovered a concerning link between consuming just 30 grams of erythritol—less than what's typically found in a can of sweetened soda—and increased activity in blood platelets. This enhancement can elevate the risk of blood clots, which may impede blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain, thus increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.

Erythritol, a type of sugar alcohol, occurs naturally in small quantities in our bodies as well as in fruits and vegetables. However, its artificial version is often used as a sweetener in various packaged and processed products including sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and drinks. For people managing diabetes or adhering to low-carbohydrate diets, erythritol seems like a go-to option due to its reduced sugar content, explained Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished.

While the FDA has deemed erythritol as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS), an increasing number of studies have started to hint at potential health risks linked with its consumption. This new research bolsters previous findings that connected erythritol intake with blood clotting issues, heart attacks, and strokes.

According to the researchers, it’s high time to “reevaluate whether erythritol should continue to be approved as a food additive,” as the study’s authors suggest. The Cleveland Clinic's two comprehensive studies revealed erythritol's potential risks, driving the need for further investigation.

Dr. Stanley Hazen, the senior author and co-section head of preventive cardiology and rehabilitation at the Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, outlined how this study unfolded. A group of 20 participants—healthy individuals aged approximately 30 with no history of cardiovascular concerns—was assembled. After an overnight fast, one group consumed a sugar-water mix while the other drank water mixed with 30 grams of erythritol. Blood samples were taken before and 30 minutes post-consumption.

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