Xylitol and Erythritol, are they safe?
There is a new risk associated with sugar substitutes, Xylitol and Erythritol. A new study published in the European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024, linking high levels of blood xylitol with a 57% increased risk of major cardiovascular events compared with lower levels. This research was led by Dr. Stanley Hazen of the Cleveland Clinic. There were over 3000 patients in the US and Europe that participate in the research.
This research found that taking a single 30 g dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes. This increase can stimulate blood clotting which is a concern for people with existing heart disease. These results suggest that consuming erythritol and xylitol can increase blood clot formation which could increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
An older study from 2018 which is still relevant today links artificial sweeteners to cancer. This study was published by Cambridge University Press, from the Cancer Council Victoria and the University of Melbourne. The data showed that for the 35,593 participants, 3283 developed obesity related cancers. It seems counterintuitive that avoiding sugar and using an artificial sweetener leads to obesity. There are 12 types of cancer associated with obesity. This has been a conundrum for many scientists and the answer is still unknown.
The alternative to artificial sweeteners is unfortunately high fructose corn syrup, which has significant health risks. It is artificially produced and the main cause of obesity in the United States. Obesity related illness is the #1 stressor on the health care system.
Be aware of the products that you use. Artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup are found in chewing gums, candies, ice cream, mouthwash, toothpastes sugar-free desserts and much more. As of right now stevia is the best sugar replacement, although I have my concerns.
