What is Erythritol?

Why in news?

• The researchers have pointed out the following issues in the report
  • Long-term use of this particular artificial sweetener is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 
  • Erythritol made platelets easier to activate and form a clot. 
  • After ingestion, erythritol is poorly metabolised by the body.  Instead, it goes into the bloodstream and leaves the body mainly through urine. 
  • The human body creates low amounts of erythritol naturally, so any additional consumption can accumulate.

What is Erythritol?

• Erythritol is a popular artificial sweetener that is widely available throughout the world.
• It is an organic compound - a naturally occurring, four-carbon sugar alcohol (or polyol).
• It is used as a food additive and sugar substitute.
• Erythritol is 60–70% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar).
• However, it is almost completely noncaloric and does not affect blood sugar or cause tooth decay.
• Synthesis: It is synthesized from corn using enzymes and fermentation.

 

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Q1) What is a heart attack?

A heart attack (medically known as a myocardial infarction) is a deadly medical emergency where your heart muscle begins to die because it isn’t getting enough blood flow. A blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your heart usually causes this.

Source: Does your artificial sweetener have Erythritol? Study says it raises risk of heart attack and stroke