Does Erythritol Actually Cause Death in People, or Is It Just a Myth?

Erythritol, a popular sugar substitute, has recently made headlines with claims suggesting it may be linked to serious health risks. Erythritol is FDA-approved and widely used in various foods, offering a calorie-free alternative to sugar. So, if it is really unhealthy and harmful, how it got approved?

This article takes a closer look at the facts to determine whether these health fears are truly warranted or if they’ve been blown out of proportion. Spoiler alert: it may not be as dangerous as it sounds!.

Is Erythritol Safe for Consumption?

Erythritol is used in products like Stevia to provide sweetness with minimal calories. The FDA categorizes erythritol as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), indicating it is safe for consumption at recommended levels. Understanding its safety profile is key to addressing any concerns.

What is Erythritol?

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that offers about 60-70% of the sweetness of sucrose but without the calories. It occurs naturally in fruits such as grapes and melons and is commercially produced through fermentation.

• Calorie-Free Sweetener
• No Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
• Generally Well-Tolerated

How Does Erythritol Affect Health?

Erythritol is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted unchanged in the urine, reducing its potential for gastrointestinal discomfort compared to other sugar alcohols.

• No Gastrointestinal Discomfort
• Unique Metabolism Pathway
• No Significant Long-Term Health Effects Reported

Can Erythritol Cause Heart Attack, Stroke, or Death?

Concerns about erythritol leading to severe health issues like heart attack, stroke, and death have been circulating. But how can it cause heart attack or stroke when it is approved by FDA? It’s essential to review scientific evidence to understand the actual risks.

What Do the Studies Say?

Researchers have been studying the connection between erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, and cardiovascular risk. Their findings suggest that erythritol may be linked to an increased risk of heart-related issues. However, more research is needed to fully confirm these results.

People with conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity are often recommended to use artificial sweeteners as a substitute for sugar to manage blood sugar levels and support weight loss.

Erythritol, while naturally found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, is typically added to processed foods in much higher quantities, up to 1,000 times more than its natural levels.

Study on Erythritol and Heart Risks

Dr. Stanley Hazen and his team at the Cleveland Clinic, supported by the NIH, investigated whether erythritol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Published in Nature Medicine in February 2023, their study with over 1,000 participants found that higher blood levels of erythritol were linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular events.

Those with the highest erythritol levels had about twice the risk of heart problems compared to those with the lowest levels. Further validation with nearly 3,000 additional participants confirmed these findings.

The research also revealed that erythritol enhances blood platelet sensitivity, which can lead to increased clot formation, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Consuming erythritol-sweetened beverages caused blood levels to spike significantly and remain high for days, potentially affecting clotting.

These results highlight the need for more research to understand the long-term effects of erythritol, especially given the global prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Is the Risk Exaggerated?

The risks associated with erythritol are often overstated in media reports. The actual risk from normal consumption is minimal, and most studies do not reflect typical dietary practices.

Erythritol, a common sweetener, is often overstated in media reports, but its actual risks are minimal. Consuming it in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, is generally safe. Studies show increased cardiovascular risks when consumed at higher levels.

Including erythritol in a healthy diet with whole, unprocessed foods can mitigate risks. Be mindful of added sugars and artificial ingredients, and a balanced, moderate use of erythritol is unlikely to pose significant health risks.

How Does Erythritol Compare to Other Sweeteners?

Comparing erythritol to other sweeteners can provide insight into its safety and benefits.

Erythritol vs. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have their own health concerns. Erythritol, with its natural origins and minimal processing, is often considered safer.

• Fewer Health Concerns Compared to Artificial Sweeteners
• Natural Sweetener with Lower Risk Profile
• No Proven Long-Term Health Risks

Erythritol vs. Natural Sweeteners

Natural sweeteners can affect blood sugar levels and calorie intake, whereas erythritol offers a zero-calorie alternative without these drawbacks.

• Zero Calories
• No Blood Sugar Spikes
• Suitable for Diabetics

Why Stiva Chooses Erythritol: A Safe Sweetening Solution

Stiva uses erythritol in minimal amounts to ensure our products are safe and enjoyable. Our formulation is designed to provide sweetness without health risks.

The Benefits of Erythritol in Stiva

Erythritol enhances the flavor of Stiva while maintaining a low-calorie profile, making it an excellent choice for those managing their sugar intake.

• Low-Calorie Sweetener
• Safe and Effective
• Enhances Product Taste

Commitment to Safety

Our use of erythritol is based on thorough research and adherence to safety standards, ensuring our products are both delicious and health-conscious.

• Backed by Scientific Research
• Safe Consumption Levels
• Consumer Confidence

Should You Be Concerned About Erythritol?

The evidence suggests that concerns about erythritol causing severe health issues like heart attack, stroke, or death are largely unfounded. When used within recommended limits, erythritol is a safe sweetener.

Is Erythritol Safe?

Yes, erythritol is safe for consumption at typical levels. The myths about severe health risks are not supported by substantial scientific evidence.

Conclusion:

Erythritol is a safe and effective sugar substitute when consumed in moderation. There's currently not enough conclusive evidence to definitively state that consuming erythritol causes health problems. While some studies suggest a potential link between high levels of erythritol and cardiovascular risks, these findings are not yet universally accepted, and more research is needed to fully understand the implications. Stiva’s use of erythritol reflects our commitment to offering a healthy, delicious product without compromising safety.

 

FAQs:

Is erythritol safe for daily consumption?

Yes, erythritol is safe when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What are the potential side effects of erythritol?

Minor gastrointestinal issues may occur at high doses, but these are rare.

How much erythritol is safe to consume?

The FDA considers erythritol safe up to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight daily.