Nature Medicne Article - Erythritol correlated with heart disease

Erythritol association with altered platelet function and an increase in intracellular calcium – elements that can contribute to blood clots and heart problems.

Nature Medicine published a study that shows erythritol may have harmful effects. It has been associated with increasing chances of problems such as blood clots and heart attacks.

We naturally produce some erythritol via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). This pathway is an alternative to glycolysis (breakdown of glucose) and, simplified, is involved in creating essential components for body function. It is used to produce DNA, RNA, and NADPH synthesis.

In 1990, erythritol has been synthetically produced as an artificial sweetener.

In this study, participants drank a can of commercially available erythritrol-sweeetned beverage,a pint of keto ice cream or other foods or beverages containing erythritol. Erythritol levels remained elevated for over 2 days and were also well above threshold levels associated with increases in platelet function. It also altered thrombin and intracellerular calcium. Other studies associate Erytritol plasma levels being elevated for days 

The FDA does not require disclosure of erythritol content in food products, it could be in products labeled “artificial sweeteners” or low or no sugar . It also used in processed foods

While more study is needed, a best plan is awareness, moderation, or abstinence.