Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: New study links artificial sweeteners to heart attacks and blood clots

A new study found a direct correlation between erythritol (a sugar substitute found in many reduced-sugar products) and blood clots, stroke, heart attack and death in those with preexisting risk factors for heart disease. Erythritol is found in zero-sugar products like Splenda and Truvia and some monk fruit sweeteners. The body lacks the ability to break down erythritol as it doesn’t have the enzymes needed. Instead, it goes into the bloodstream and is eventually flushed out. These sugars should be used sparingly and with caution due to the mounting evidence that long-term use of sugar substitutes can be bad for your health, especially in those with preexisting risk factors for heart disease. Learn more about this connection.