nature medicine study about erythritol causing heart attacks, strokes, cardiovascular events, monkvee.com

A new study published in Nature Medicine about the popular sugar replacement erythritol has been going viral in many online circles.

 

nature medicine erythritol heart attack cardivascular event study

 

The study claims that erythritol in the blood is correlated to higher incidents of heart attacks and strokes. As a result, many people are warning against eating foods and drinks containing erythritol.

Does one singular study have the evidence backing it to negate all the positive studies performed on erythritol over the years?

One of the most important things to note is that this study was not measuring the amount of erythritol consumed by the subjects. Instead, it observed the amount of erythritol existing in the blood. This would make sense if erythritol only shows up in the blood if you eat it, but that is not the case.

The body naturally produces its own erythritol, called "endogenous erythritol" from glucose, as demonstrated in this study. In fact, elevated serum erythritol is known to be a predictive biomarker of diabetes and cardiovascular incidence and complications, as mentioned here. 

You may be asking yourself, why would the body make erythritol? Erythritol is produced when your body metabolizes sugar. The more sugar consumed, the more erythritol your body will make. The body also produces erythritol when a lot of alcohol is consumed. Another reason for erythritol production is when oxidative stress occurs in the body, as shown in this study, such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and belly fat.

To recap, the body is capable of making its own erythritol, which can demonstrate potential health issues. "Serum erythritol is a predictive biomarker of chronic disease development and complications," said a 2021 paper published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition


The following video shares an interesting analysis by Dr. Eric Berg, DC.

 

Dr. Berg asks in his video, "How can we really know if these cardiovascular events are caused by the erythritol or by the person's overall health?" 

This is a great question, especially since most of the people in the study had high blood pressure or diabetes or were in poor health. 

Now, if you were to look at other studies on erythritol, the research is very positive on the health benefits of the sweetener. For example, research has shown that erythritol is an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties, and improves glucose tolerance. Another study showed that consumption of erythritol improves endothelial function and other markers of cardiovascular risk.

Another key factor to note is that this recent study only shows a correlation, not causation. Correlation refers to something that has a similar association. Still, it cannot confirm or prove that one factor has caused the other. It is very possible that another factor that was not considered or studied is impacting the results. Proving causation is necessary for the study to be substantive, meaning one should not make decisions based on something that shows correlation. Instead, more studies should be performed to establish whether causation exists. 

Based on all the data available on erythritol, there's a very good case that this naturally-derived sweetener is better for you than worse for you, especially if it is replacing sugar in one's diet. However, it is always important for consumers to do research and come to their own conclusions. 

At MonkVee®, we have Monk Fruit blended with erythritol to create a 1:1 sugar replacement, and we also carry PURE Monk Fruit and Stevia without erythritol

We recommend you watch the video above, do some of your own digging, consult your own doctor, assess your own health, and make your own decisions. 

Here at MonkVee®, it is our mission to bring you the best information, products, and recipes

Contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help!

 

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Commonly Asked Questions

Why use Monk Fruit Sweetener?

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What is monk fruit?

Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a small green melon native to Southeast Asia. It's valued for its sweetness and health benefits.

How is monk fruit sweetener made?

Monk fruit sweetener is made by extracting the natural sugars from the monk fruit, resulting in a concentrated sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar.

Is monk fruit sweetener a good sugar alternative for baking?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used as a sugar alternative in baking. It provides sweetness without the calories or blood sugar spikes associated with regular sugar.

Does monk fruit sweetener have any calories?

Monk fruit sweetener is calorie-free, making it an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used by people with diabetes?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is a suitable option for people with diabetes because it does not affect blood sugar levels.

Is monk fruit sweetener safe for weight loss diets?

Monk fruit sweetener can be a helpful tool for those on weight loss diets as it provides sweetness without the calories of sugar.

Does monk fruit sweetener have an aftertaste?

Monk fruit sweetener typically does not have an aftertaste, especially when compared to other artificial sweeteners.

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While there's no direct evidence linking monk fruit sweetener to acne, reducing sugar intake, including monk fruit sweetener, may contribute to clearer skin for some individuals.

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Monk fruit sweetener does not directly affect sleep quality. However, consuming it in excess before bedtime may lead to digestive discomfort, which could impact sleep.

Are there any known side effects of consuming monk fruit sweetener?

Monk fruit sweetener is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) according to the FDA.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in hot beverages like coffee or tea?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be added to hot beverages like coffee or tea to sweeten them without adding calories.

Is monk fruit sweetener suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is vegan-friendly as it is derived from the fruit and does not contain any animal products.

How does monk fruit sweetener compare to other natural sweeteners like stevia?

Monk fruit sweetener and stevia are both natural sweeteners with zero calories, but monk fruit is often considered to have a cleaner, more sugar-like taste.

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Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used to sweeten cold beverages like iced tea or lemonade without any issues.

Does monk fruit sweetener contain any artificial ingredients?

No, monk fruit sweetener is made from the natural sugars found in the monk fruit and does not contain any artificial ingredients.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in recipes that require caramelization?

Monk fruit sweetener can be used in recipes that require caramelization, but it may not caramelize in the same way that sugar does.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in homemade jams and preserves?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used to sweeten homemade jams and preserves instead of sugar. It will provide sweetness without adding extra calories.

Does monk fruit sweetener have a glycemic index?

Monk fruit sweetener has a glycemic index of zero, meaning it does not raise blood sugar levels.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in raw desserts?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used in raw desserts to add sweetness without the need for cooking or baking.

Is monk fruit sweetener suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is gluten-free and can be safely consumed by people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in homemade salad dressings?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used to sweeten homemade salad

Is monk fruit sweetener suitable for people following a ketogenic diet?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is suitable for those on a ketogenic diet as it does not contain any carbohydrates or sugars that could affect ketosis.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in beverages other than tea and coffee?

Absolutely! Monk fruit sweetener can be used in various beverages like smoothies, cocktails, and flavored water to add sweetness without the extra calories.

Does monk fruit sweetener affect blood sugar levels?

No, monk fruit sweetener does not affect blood sugar levels as it has a glycemic index of zero. It's a suitable option for those monitoring their blood sugar.

Is monk fruit sweetener safe for pregnant women?

Monk fruit sweetener is generally considered safe for pregnant women, but it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in homemade granola bars?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used in homemade granola bars to provide sweetness without the added sugar. It's a healthier option for snacks.