United States: A popular artificial sweetener which is used in almost every drinks and baked items whether it is gum or candy is linked to higher risks of blood clots, according to recently conducted study by the researchers.
The potential health risks linked to the sweetener are still unknown, but the researchers have mentioned that further study is required.
Which artificial sweetener is becoming a health threat?
According to the research, a zero-calorie sweetener – Erythritol, is popularly used as a replacement for sugar was reportedly rich in certain types of proteins which could result in blood clotting, if compared to the regular sugar.
As per the reports, the study was published in the medical journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
One of the authors of the study – Dr WH Wilson Tang, who is the research director for Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, explained the study findings and mentioned, “This research raises some concerns that a standard serving of an erythritol-sweetened food or beverage may acutely stimulate a direct clot-forming effect. Erythritol and other sugar alcohols that are commonly used as sugar substitutes should be evaluated for potential long-term health effects, especially when such effects are not seen with glucose itself.”
The Study!
According to the reports, to conduct the study, around ten random people were asked to drink water with 30 grams of erythritol, and ten random people were asked to drink water with 30 grams of glucose.
According to the researchers, 30 grams was chosen to conduct the study because it is the amount of erythritol used in the items.
What is the conclusion of the study?
According to the researchers, the people who drank the water with 30 grams of erythritol were found to have higher level of proteins in their bloodstream, as compared to the ones who drank water with 30 grams of glucose.
While explaining erythritol, the US Food and Drug Administration mentioned that the sugar alcohol – erythritol, is naturally found in the fruits like pears, watermelon and grapes but have also used as a food additive used for sweetening and enhancing the flavours of the food.
The researchers have further revealed that the production of erythritol is done through fermenting corn.
Growing Use of Artificial Sweeteners!
The usage of artificial sweeteners have been increasing among the Americans due to the growing obesity epidemic. The sweeteners are commonly used as the ingredients found in soft drinks, ‘diet’ foods and other processed products.
However, federal health agencies, such as the FDA, have stated that the usage of artificial sweeteners is safe; however, studies related to the same are ongoing.
Previous Studies Backing the Fact!
The researchers at Cleveland Clinic have earlier as well conducted a study on erythritol and its uses, in which they revealed that the people who consume high amount of erythritol experiences major adverse cardiovascular event, such as stroke, heart attack, cardiovascular deaths as well as blood clots. The side-effect linked to the same can be experienced within three years of observation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also shared warning against the usage of zero-calorie non-sugar sweeteners, especially for the people who are trying to lose their weights. The statement was issued by the health agency on last year.
It is to be noted that the zero-calorie, non-sugar sweeteners do not help with weight loss but can also bring side effects, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and death among the WHO.