Artificial Sweetener Risks: Blood Clots & Heart Issues

A new study from Cleveland Clinic has found that the popular artificial sweetener erythritol is associated with a higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. This research, published in the European Heart Journal, highlights concerns about this sugar substitute, which is often mixed with stevia and used in many products like yogurt, ice cream, diet sodas, and protein bars.

Erythritol, a zero-calorie sweetener, has been shown to make blood platelets more active, increasing the risk of blood clots compared to sugar. Although the study involved only 20 patients, experts caution that its results should be interpreted carefully. The World Heart Organization also warned in 2023 that other artificial sweeteners like aspartame and stevia could elevate the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and death.

Dr. Stanley Hazen, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, noted that erythritol-sweetened drinks were linked to higher clotting risks and altered platelet function in every tested subject. He advised using natural sweeteners such as sugar and honey in moderation, as they do not carry the same clotting risks.

This study builds on a larger cardiovascular research project led by Hazen in 2023, which involved blood samples from over 1,100 people. A subsequent follow-up with 2,100 additional non-emergency patients reinforced the link between erythritol and increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and death.