New research published in the journal “Nature” has added to the growing body of evidence suggesting that erythritol, a popular sugar substitute, may pose a risk to cardiovascular health. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of California, Davis, found that mice fed a diet high in erythritol experienced increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress in their arteries.
According to the researchers, these findings are concerning as they mirror the effects seen in humans who consume large amounts of added sugars or processed foods. The team emphasized that more research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings for human health.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in low-calorie and sugar-free foods and beverages. It is often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar due to its low calorie count and minimal effect on blood sugar levels. However, previous studies have raised concerns about its potential impact on gut health and metabolism.
The new study adds to this body of evidence, suggesting that erythritol may also contribute to cardiovascular disease. The researchers noted that the mechanism behind these effects is not yet fully understood, but they believe that it may be related to the way that erythritol is metabolized in the body.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Anna Heidelbaugh, stated, “Our findings suggest that erythritol may not be the harmless sugar substitute that it’s made out to be. More research is needed to fully understand the potential risks associated with its long-term use.”
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons per day for men. However, it is important to note that sugar substitutes like erythritol are not included in these guidelines, as they are not considered added sugars.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of being mindful of the sources of sweeteners in our diets and limiting our consumption of processed foods and beverages, regardless of whether they contain sugar or sugar substitutes.
a new study published in the journal “Nature” has added to the growing body of evidence suggesting that erythritol, a common sugar substitute, may pose a risk to cardiovascular health. The study found that mice fed a diet high in erythritol experienced increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress in their arteries. More research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings for human health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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