Common sweetener in Quest protein bars and Vitamin water may raise risk of a heart attack MORE than sugar

Common sweetener in Quest protein bars and Vitamin water may raise risk of a heart attack MORE than sugar READ MORE: Sweetener found in peanut butter may raise risk of disease By Maiya Focht Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 14:26 BST, 8 August 2024 | Updated: 14:39 BST, 8 August 2024 e-mail View comments A popular sugar-substitute used in many diet and keto products might increase your risk of a heart attack. A study by Cleveland Clinic researchers found that when people were given the sweetener erythritol , blood cells that cause clotting became more active.

This suggested participants were at higher risk of developing clots, which could lead to heart attack and stroke. When volunteers were given plain sugar, they did not see this effect. The 'healthy' sugars increased peoples risk of cardiovascular disease more than regular sugar.

Erythritol is found in products like Quest protein bars, zero sugar Vitamin Water and Halo Top Ice Cream as well as keto-friendly versions of sweets like Reece's Peanut Butter Cups. Some popular products with Erythritol include zero sugar Monster energy drinks, Halo Top ice cream and Quest protein bars These findings are concerning because doctors often recommend these products to people already at risk for heart disease, study author Dr Stanley Hazen, the chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences in Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute said. 'Cardiovascular disease builds over time, and heart disease is the leading caus.