In today’s health-conscious culture, the word “sugar” often sends up red flags—and understandably so. High sugar intake has been linked to a wide range of chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and heart disease. In response, millions of Americans have turned to artificial sweeteners as a safer, “guilt-free” way to enjoy sweet foods and beverages.
Artificial sweeteners are zero or low-calorie sugar substitutes that are either synthetically created or derived from natural sources. Their primary appeal lies in their intense sweetness—some are hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar—yet they contain few or no calories. Because they don’t raise blood sugar like traditional sugar does, many people turn to them as a seemingly healthier option.
But not all sweeteners are created equal, and just because something is low in calories doesn’t mean it’s safe for long-term health—especially when consumed frequently or in large quantities.
You’ll find artificial sweeteners in a wide variety of everyday products, including:
When artificial sweeteners first hit the market, they were hailed as a breakthrough—offering sweetness without the sugar, and all the pleasure without the guilt. But recent research is challenging that assumption, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health.
Two of the most commonly used sweeteners, erythritol and sucralose, have been linked to serious heart-related concerns in new scientific studies. These findings are causing many health experts—including myself—to take a step back and reconsider their safety.
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine in 2023 shook the medical community. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol in the blood were associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events, including:
The proposed mechanism? Erythritol appears to increase platelet reactivity, meaning it makes your blood more likely to clot—a dangerous problem for those already at risk for heart disease.
The most vulnerable individuals appear to be:
While erythritol raises concerns about clotting, sucralose (commonly known as Splenda) has been linked to gut damage and genetic risk.
A recent study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health reported that sucralose may:
It’s important to note that the FDA still considers both erythritol and sucralose to be “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS). However, much of the original data used to support that designation was conducted decades ago—and often without the tools we now have to measure long-term metabolic, microbiome, and cardiovascular effects.
As newer studies raise red flags, many public health organizations and integrative health experts are calling for a re-evaluation of these approvals. Some advocacy groups are pushing for:
It may seem counterintuitive, but research is increasingly showing that artificial sweeteners—often chosen to prevent metabolic issues—may actually contribute to them.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes:
Many people turn to sugar substitutes in an effort to lose weight, manage diabetes, or stabilize their blood sugar levels. But studies suggest a paradoxical effect: instead of improving metabolic health, long-term use of artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of the very conditions they’re meant to help prevent, including:
Artificial sweeteners—especially those that are intensely sweet but calorie-free—may confuse the body’s natural response to sweetness. When the taste of sugar is detected without the expected rise in calories, the brain and body may overcompensate later by:
The health of your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating weight, blood sugar, inflammation, and even mental health.
Several studies have found that certain artificial sweeteners—particularly sucralose and saccharin—can negatively alter the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to:
Stevia is a plant-derived sweetener that has gained popularity for its zero-calorie profile and minimal effect on blood sugar. It’s a good alternative for those with diabetes or those trying to avoid sugar—but with one major caution. Most commercial stevia products are blended with erythritol or other fillers. If you’re buying “stevia” at the store, check the label. If it contains erythritol or maltodextrin, you may be undoing any potential health benefits.
We recommend using pure stevia extract (such as stevioside or rebaudioside A) in small amounts.
Monk fruit extract is another natural, calorie-free sweetener that’s gaining attention for its antioxidant properties and gentle effect on blood sugar.
It’s generally well-tolerated and, unlike many artificial options, doesn’t appear to harm the gut microbiome or increase insulin resistance. Like stevia, it’s often mixed with erythritol in blends—so again, check the ingredients before purchasing.
Though these are still forms of natural sugar, they are minimally processed and nutrient-rich, offering enzymes, minerals, and antioxidants.
These often contain erythritol, sucralose, or other synthetic compounds that may trigger inflammation, disrupt metabolism, and increase cardiovascular risk.
Marketing terms like “natural,” “zero-carb,” or “diabetic-safe” can be misleading. Always read the ingredients—and when in doubt, opt for whole-food alternatives.
Given the research linking erythritol to clotting risk and sucralose to gut damage and DNA toxicity, we advise our patients to avoid these altogether, especially if they have heart conditions, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic syndrome.
Artificial sweeteners may seem like an easy way to enjoy life’s sweet moments without the consequences of sugar—but emerging scientific research paints a very different picture.
From increased risks of stroke and heart attack with erythritol, to gut disruption and potential DNA damage with sucralose, the evidence suggests that these “sugar-free” solutions may come with a hidden cost to your cardiovascular and metabolic health.
At the Stengler Center, we urge patients to look beyond the label. Don’t let the promise of "guilt-free sweetness" distract from what truly nourishes and supports your body’s God-designed systems of healing and balance.
If you’re concerned about the potential risks of artificial sweeteners—or if you’re already dealing with high blood pressure, fatigue, metabolic syndrome, or unexplained health symptoms—you don’t have to face it alone.
📞 760-274-2377 📧 clinic@markstengler.com 📍 324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
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