All articles tagged with #sugar substitutes
New research questions whether sugar substitutes truly deliver health benefits; despite being marketed to cut calories and prevent tooth decay, emerging evidence suggests potential downsides and calls for long-term studies to weigh risks and benefits.
CU Boulder researchers found that erythritol, a sugar alcohol widely used in protein bars and zero-sugar drinks, altered brain blood vessel cells in vitro: less nitric oxide, more endothelin-1, and about 75% higher reactive oxygen species. When thrombin was introduced, erythritol also blunted tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), reducing the body's ability to dissolve clots. The study echoes a 2023 epidemiological link between higher blood erythritol and stroke/heart attack risk, but authors caution that causality isn’t proven and endogenous production of erythritol may confound results, so continuing evaluation of non-nutrient sweeteners is prudent.
A Neurology study of 12,772 Brazilian adults over ~8 years found that higher intake of six common sugar substitutes (aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol; tagatose was the exception) is associated with faster cognitive decline, with the highest-intake group showing about 62% faster global decline (roughly 1.6 years of aging) and notable drops in memory and verbal fluency; the link is correlational, not proven causation, and potential mechanisms include toxic metabolites and brain inflammation. Sugar substitutes remain common in ultraprocessed foods, so moderation rather than complete avoidance is advised.
New Cleveland Clinic findings suggest sugar substitutes, especially erythritol and other sugar alcohols, may acutely promote clot formation and could raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in people with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The researchers urge longer-term studies to confirm safety and advise moderation and consultation with healthcare providers when using these products.
Research suggests that erythritol, a common sugar substitute found in many processed foods, may damage the blood-brain barrier and disrupt blood vessel function, potentially increasing the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, raising concerns about its safety despite regulatory approval.
Recent research suggests a potential link between artificial sweeteners and accelerated brain aging, with some studies indicating they may impair memory and cognitive functions, raising concerns about their long-term health effects despite FDA approval. Experts recommend further investigation to fully understand these impacts.
Drinking excessive diet soda, especially 30-40 cans daily, can pose health risks such as increased chances of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain due to artificial sweeteners affecting gut bacteria and insulin sensitivity. Experts recommend limiting intake to one or a few cans per day and prioritizing water or unsweetened drinks for hydration.
A study suggests that high consumption of artificial sweeteners may accelerate brain aging by over 1.5 years, with increased risks of cognitive decline, especially in middle-aged individuals, raising concerns about their safety despite industry claims.
For people with Type 2 diabetes, the best approach remains reducing sugar and refined carbs, and current science suggests caution with sugar substitutes, emphasizing a balanced diet over reliance on artificial sweeteners.
A recent study suggests that erythritol, a common sugar substitute found in many processed foods, may damage the blood-brain barrier, impair blood vessel function, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, raising concerns about its safety despite regulatory approval.
A recent study suggests that erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, may negatively impact blood vessel cells in the brain, potentially increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks, though further research in humans is needed.
A study suggests that erythritol, a common sweetener in sugar-free products, may increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks by damaging blood vessel cells and reducing clot-busting proteins, raising concerns about its widespread use amid rising stroke rates in young people.
The article explores the safety and health implications of various sugar substitutes, including newer options like allulose, monk fruit, and stevia, compared to traditional artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose. It questions whether these alternatives are healthier choices for consumers.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal links the sugar substitute xylitol to an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found high blood levels of xylitol in individuals who had suffered such events and observed that xylitol enhances blood clotting. The study raises concerns about the safety of xylitol and other sugar alcohols, which are widely used in low-carb and keto diets. Experts call for further research to understand the implications for public health.
A study by the Cleveland Clinic, published in the European Heart Journal, links the sugar substitute xylitol to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related deaths. Researchers found that high levels of xylitol in the blood doubled the risk of these conditions. The study suggests that xylitol activates platelets, increasing clotting risk. While the study is observational and not definitive, experts recommend limiting artificial sweeteners and opting for natural sugars like those in fruits and vegetables.