Tag

Sugar Substitutes

All articles tagged with #sugar substitutes

Sugar substitutes deliver modest metabolic benefits, but no perfect replacement yet
science14 days 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
health2 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
health3 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
lifestyle3 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
health8 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.

Xylitol Sweetener Linked to Higher Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
health2 years ago

Xylitol Sweetener Linked to Higher Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

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.