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Erythritol: what the research really says
The Advocate • • health
Key Points:
- Excess added sugar is linked to numerous health issues including obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, anxiety, and certain cancers, making sugar reduction a key health strategy.
- Erythritol, a sugar substitute found in many "zero sugar" products, helps provide bulk and texture in baking without significantly affecting blood sugar, but recent studies have raised questions about its safety related to cardiovascular risks.
- Research showing a link between erythritol and heart attacks or strokes is inconclusive, as elevated erythritol levels in some studies may originate from the body’s natural production rather than dietary intake.
- Experts emphasize that while concerns about erythritol warrant further study, the harmful effects of excess added sugar are well-established and pose a greater known risk to health.
- A recommended approach to reducing sugar intake is gradually retraining the palate to crave less sweetness, rather than relying solely on sugar substitutes, which may offer the most sustainable health benefits.
