Tag

Sugar Substitutes

All articles tagged with #sugar substitutes

Erythritol under the microscope: what the latest science really says
health18 days ago

Erythritol under the microscope: what the latest science really says

Sponsored content: This piece explains erythritol as a bulk, blood-sugar–friendly sugar substitute useful in baking and low-sugar foods, while noting a widely publicized 2023 Nature Medicine study that linked higher blood erythritol to cardiovascular events; importantly, samples in that study largely came from before erythritol-containing products existed, so causation isn’t proven, and later work suggests possible effects on platelets under certain conditions. The overall message remains that excess added sugar poses real health risks, with erythritol offered as one of several tools to reduce sugar intake. People with stroke/clotting history should consult their healthcare provider, and the article advocates gradually retraining taste buds to crave less sweetness rather than chasing a perfect substitute.

Erythritol in Focus: What Science Really Says About This Sugar Substitute
health19 days ago

Erythritol in Focus: What Science Really Says About This Sugar Substitute

A sponsored wellness piece by Molly Kimball explains that while a 2023 Nature Medicine study linked higher blood erythritol with heart events, the data mostly used samples from 2001–2007 before erythritol-containing products were common and the body naturally produces erythritol, so causation isn’t proven. Some studies suggest possible increased platelet activity under certain conditions, but decades of evidence still show the harms of excess added sugar. For most people, erythritol can help reduce sugar intake, but long-term effects remain under study; the broader message is to retrain taste for less sweetness rather than chasing a perfect sugar substitute.

Most sugar substitutes disrupt gut bacteria and trigger surprising drug interactions
science20 days ago

Most sugar substitutes disrupt gut bacteria and trigger surprising drug interactions

A Cambridge study tested 39 sweeteners against 25 gut bacteria and found that roughly 75% affected at least one strain; mixing sweeteners with common compounds (caffeine, vanillin, and the antidepressant duloxetine) produced over 100 new interactions, some disruptive, suggesting sugar substitutes can alter the gut microbiome and interact with medications; the WHO notes non-sugar sweeteners show no proven long-term weight‑loss benefits.

Sugar substitutes deliver modest metabolic benefits, but no perfect replacement yet
science3 months ago

Sugar substitutes deliver modest metabolic benefits, but no perfect replacement yet

Randomised trials show that replacing sugar with approved sweeteners can lower post-meal glucose and insulin and aid weight maintenance in structured diets; there is no universal substitute that perfectly mimics sugar's bulk and mouthfeel, and policy debates continue to hinge on differences between observational studies and trials. Future advances may come from blends, sweet proteins, rare sugars, and AI-assisted discovery, but more data across children and high-risk groups are needed.

Common Sugar Alcohol in Diet May Boost Stroke Risk, Lab Finds
health5 months ago

Common Sugar Alcohol in Diet May Boost Stroke Risk, Lab Finds

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.

Artificial sweeteners tied to faster cognitive aging in large Brazilian study
health6 months ago

Artificial sweeteners tied to faster cognitive aging in large Brazilian study

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.

Sugar substitutes may raise clot risk, new vascular study finds
lifestyle6 months ago

Sugar substitutes may raise clot risk, new vascular study finds

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.

Doctors Discuss Safe Limits for Diet Soda Consumption
health11 months ago

Doctors Discuss Safe Limits for Diet Soda Consumption

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.