Erythritol

Facts for Prelims
 

Erythritol
 

News: According to recent research, Erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
 

About:
 It is a type of sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages. Unlike traditional sugars, it has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels.
 It is also believed to have a lower GI than other sweeteners, meaning it may not impact insulin levels as strongly.
 Sugar-free products containing Erythritol are often recommended for people who have obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome and are looking for options to help manage their sugar or calorie intake.
 Erythritol activates platelets, the blood cells which cause clots when they clump together. Such aggregation of platelets blocks blood flow in blood vessels in different parts of the body. When that happens in blood vessels supplying blood to the heart or brain, fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events occur.