Insights from Cleveland University and of course from the Imsyser teal where our greatest focus is of course – Gut Microbiome
Recent research from the Cleveland Clinic raises concerns about erythritol, a sugar alcohol commonly found in keto and sugar-free products. The study suggests that consuming erythritol may trigger a prothrombotic response, potentially increasing the risk of clotting, heart attacks, and strokes. Interestingly, participants who consumed glucose did not show the same prothrombotic effects.
Everyone is on the Keto trip and for the rest they are all feeding into the artificially sweetened alternatives. this leaves much to be worried about.
Erythritol and Gut Microbiome Impact
From a gut microbiome perspective, erythritol and other sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol may influence gut health not just circulatory influencers. Sugar alcohols are known to be poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are fermented by gut bacteria in the colon. This fermentation can produce short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for gut health, but excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
The interaction between sugar alcohols and the gut microbiome could have broader implications for other health concerns such as cardiometabolic health under discussion. Gut dysbiosis—an imbalance in gut bacteria—has been linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and increased cardiovascular risk. As erythritol passes through the digestive system, it may alter gut bacterial composition, which could indirectly influence cardiometabolic outcomes.
What to do?
Given the potential risks, especially for those with only two of the mostly spoken about Metabolic other than Brain health, a balanced approach to sweeteners—whether sugar-based or sugar-free—might be the best strategy for overall health. As a rule even in my own life I have found just going sugar free is really hard (sugar being the biggest addiction globally) but definitely worth it in the long run
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