Erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in ketogenic diet products, sweets and low- or no-calorie diet drinks, may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a new study.
A Cleveland Clinic-led study published Thursday in the journal Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology found that sweeteners increase platelet activity and increase the risk of blood clots, but that foods sweetened with sugar did not have the same effect.
The study was small, involving only 20 patients, and researchers not involved in the study say the findings should be interpreted with caution.
Erythritol is a zero-calorie sugar substitute used as a sweetener in hundreds of products, including protein bars, yogurt, cookies, and ice cream. It is a thickening agent similar to sugar and is the primary sweetener in the low-carb, high-fat keto diet. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration Decided Erythritol is “generally recognized as safe.”