Artificial sweeteners and heart disease risk
Artificial sweeteners and cardiovascular disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU · NIH-11295419
This project looks at whether common low‑calorie sweeteners like erythritol and xylitol might raise blood vessel inflammation, clotting, and the chance of heart attacks or strokes in people who use them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers combine analysis of blood samples and health records with lab and animal experiments to see how these sweeteners affect blood vessels and platelets. They used untargeted mass spectrometry to find higher levels of erythritol, xylitol and related polyols linked to later heart events, then tested those molecules in cells and animal models to study inflammation and clotting. The work mixes clinical observations with mechanistic lab studies to build a clearer picture of whether these sweeteners can directly promote cardiovascular disease. Findings could point to safer use guidance or future patient trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults who regularly use low‑calorie or non‑nutritive sweeteners, especially those with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or other cardiometabolic risk factors.
Not a fit: People who never consume artificial or low‑calorie sweeteners or whose cardiovascular risk comes from unrelated causes may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If true, the results could help people make safer choices about sweeteners and guide recommendations to lower heart attack and stroke risk.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies have raised similar concerns and animal/cell experiments support possible harm, but direct causal proof in people is still limited.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAZEN, STANLEY L — CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU
- Study coordinator: HAZEN, STANLEY L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Animal Disease Models, Arterial Injury