With sugar being labelled as toxic to human health, a growing interest towards artificial sweeteners is being observed in the recent few years. While these sugar substitutes are popular, it is important to know about their long term side effects.
A study published in 2023 has highlighted the impact of artificial sweetener, Erythritol, on heart health. “Our findings reveal that erythritol is both associated with incident MACE or major adverse cardiovascular events risk and fosters enhanced thrombosis,” the researchers have said. The findings of the study have been published in Nature Medicine.
Erythritol is present in fruits naturally, but in a very low concentration. When it is added to “processed foods, it is typically added at levels 1000-fold higher than endogenous levels”. The daily intake of erythritol in the total US population has been estimated to reach up to 30 g per day in some subjects based on 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and FDA filings, the researchers have said.
The researchers found that Elevated erythritol levels can increase the risk of thrombosis by directly enhancing platelet reactivity, promoting intracellular calcium release, and amplifying aggregation in response to various agonists. They also found that after consuming an artificially sweetened food containing typical erythritol levels, plasma erythritol remains elevated for several days—well beyond the threshold needed to enhance stimulus-dependent platelet reactivity, even in healthy individuals.
“This is of concern given that the very subjects for whom artificial sweeteners are marketed (patients with diabetes, obesity, history of CVD and impaired kidney function) are those typically at higher risk for future CVD events,” the researchers have warned.
Opt for natural sweeteners
Natural sweeteners have gained popularity as healthier alternatives to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. Derived from plant sources, these sweeteners provide sweetness with fewer negative health effects. Some of the most common natural sweeteners include honey, stevia, coconut sugar, jaggery, and maple syrup. Unlike artificial sweeteners, which may have potential health risks, natural options often contain antioxidants, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.
Honey, for instance, is packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it a better choice than processed sugar. Stevia, extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, is calorie-free and does not spike blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics. Jaggery and coconut sugar contain trace minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium, providing slight nutritional benefits. Maple syrup, another natural sweetener, is rich in antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index than white sugar.
While natural sweeteners are better alternatives, they should still be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake of any sweetener, natural or otherwise, can contribute to metabolic issues, weight gain, and dental problems. Choosing unprocessed, nutrient-rich sweeteners over refined sugar can be a step toward better health, but balanced consumption remains key.
