Recent publication of research led by the Cleveland Clinic demonstrated an association between the artificial sweetener Erythritol, commonly used in processed foods, and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death.
The series of studies reported the strongest evidence identified to date that an artificial sweetener is associated with higher cardiovascular risks and recommends further actions by food regulatory agencies:
- Require that the food industry conduct more studies of the safety and long-term impacts of sugar substitutes and their effects on cardiovascular disease.
- Review and revise requirements for labeling food to more clearly reflect ingredients and better inform the public.
As his group continues its research, Dr. Stanley Hazen, Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, notes, “I tell my patients to stay away from artificial sweeteners and to instead modestly consume natural sweeteners, such as honey and sugar.”