There are a lot of artificial sweeteners available for people who want to cut back on sugar, but one kind of sweetener in particular has gained a lot of attention lately, but not in a good way. The relevant sweetener, erythritol, has been linked recently to a higher risk of blood clots.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified erythritol as Generally Recognized As Safe, meaning that when used as intended, it is considered safe for ingestion.
Which goods are erythritol-containing? Several items use erythritol as a sugar alternative. Keatley claims that low-calorie, sugar-free, keto, and diabetic-friendly products are very popular with consumers. Its main benefit is that it has a sweetness that is comparable to sugar but without the extra calories, which makes it a favorite ingredient for people watching their weight or blood sugar.
According to Gans, it's frequently found in sugar-free ice cream, candies, pastries, cakes, gum, and fruit spreads. She also points out that it's commonly used in sugar alternatives made from stevia and monkfruit.
How do you find out if the food you're eating contains erythritol?
This has to be looked into. Gans clarifies, saying, "The Nutrition Facts Label of a food is not required by the FDA to list the specific type of sugar alcohol that it contains. Nonetheless, the kind of sugar alcohol must be mentioned in the components."
Keatley says erythritol should be included in its name. "It's usually easy to identify because it's not listed under any other name," he says.
Experts advise taking current erythritol findings into context, even though they are not encouraging. "Everything, including food, comes with its own risks and benefits," Keatley writes. "For individuals with or at risk for diabetes, obesity, and PCOS, a low or no-calorie sweetener can be a significant benefit."
Keatley does point out that "it's important to consume these substances in moderation and less frequently, as research like this shows our bodies do respond to these substances." He notes that the majority of erythritol trials use doses of 30 grams at once, which is a significant amount. "An individual's daily intake could surpass 30 grams if they have several drinks, a baked good, and some erythritol-sweetened ice cream," he says.
Keatley agrees that consuming less sweetness is a good idea. "It's advisable to limit your daily consumption of erythritol, but I don't think you need to completely eliminate it," she says. Keatley advises those who rely on artificial sweeteners to have sweet-tasting foods to think about their other options.
He says, "You're engaging different metabolic pathways by consuming small amounts of aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, stevia, and allulose, which can help reduce your risk of side effects."