A newly-published study caught public attention by reporting an association between the common sweetener erythritol and increased risk of heart attack and stroke, but there’s more to the story.

Updated November 13, 2024

Unicity International has reformulated Unimate Lemon by removing sucralose and erythritol and rebranding it as Unimate Natural Lemon. The new formula now includes Reb A (a Stevia extract). Unimate Natural Lemon has a slightly lighter color than the original and may bring out more of the natural Unimate flavor. Rest assured, you’ll still enjoy the same benefits and delicious lemon taste in every package.

Article at a Glance:

• Cleveland Clinic study links erythritol to higher rates of heart attack and stroke, sparking media frenzy and inquiries about its use in Unicity's Unimate Yerba Mate drink.
• Public reaction to erythritol study reminiscent of previous health-related news controversies.
• Experts call for further research on erythritol, balanced diets, and sugar reduction, rather than just replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners.
• Dr. Peter Attia emphasizes the need for more robust research on erythritol's true impact on cardiovascular health.
• Criticism of the Cleveland Clinic study includes small sample size, lack of control group, and potential conflicts of interest.
• Unicity's commitment to scientifically-backed, health-promoting products aims to provide consumers with great taste and nutritional benefits.

Recently, I have been receiving inquiries regarding the use of erythritol as a sweetener in Unicity's Unimate Yerba Mate drink. The study findings on erythritol and its potential link to cardiovascular disease events sparked a media frenzy, with numerous stories and sensational headlines quickly going viral online.

This reaction is reflective of past incidents where research on the potential dangers of consuming eggs or coconut oil generated widespread attention and debate. The rapid dissemination of such information highlights the public's interest in health-related news and the media's role in shaping perceptions of dietary choices.

The Cleveland Clinic Study Findings

A Cleveland Clinic study has claimed to discover a link between a common sweetener and increased rates of heart attack and stroke. The research, involving over 50,000 participants, revealed that individuals who consumed the sweetener erythritol on a regular basis had a 20% higher risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event compared to those who did not. Although the exact mechanism behind the increased risk remains unclear, the study's findings suggest that caution should be exercised when consuming this sweetener. The researchers did recommend further studies to confirm these findings and explore potential alternatives.

The study prompted a variety of expert reactions, which were shared by the Science Media Centre. Some experts expressed concerns about the potential health impacts of erythritol, calling for a closer examination of their safety profiles. Others emphasized the importance of public health messaging that encourages a balanced diet, with a focus on reducing sugar intake overall, rather than simply replacing it with artificial sweeteners.

Erythritol: What is it and why it used as a dietary component

According to an article published in PubMed, erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is produced both naturally and commercially through fermentation. Despite being perceived as less healthy than other plant-based sweeteners, erythritol is 30% less sweet than sucrose and contains negligible energy. It is well-tolerated by the body as it is almost fully absorbed and excreted through urine. Current evidence indicates that erythritol may be a beneficial sugar substitute for healthy and diabetic individuals, as it does not affect glucose or insulin levels and may even promote weight loss by modulating satiety.

Erythritol and Cardiovascular Risk – What Are We to Believe?

Peter Attia, MD, an expert in nutrition and health, evaluates the claims surrounding erythritol in his article titled More hype than substance: erythritol and cardiovascular risk. He states that despite its appeal as a sugar substitute due to its low glycemic index and minimal caloric content, the research on erythritol's impact on cardiovascular health remains inconclusive.

Dr. Attia goes on to discusses several studies on erythritol, some of which suggest potential benefits for cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, endothelial function, and lipid profiles. However, he also highlights other studies that show no significant benefits or even potential harm. He acknowledges that the quality of existing research is often poor, with small sample sizes, short durations, and a focus on surrogate markers rather than actual cardiovascular events.

In response to a flawed paper and a flurry of alarming headlines, Dr. Attia emphasizes that there is no need for alarm, as the scientific community works to set the record straight before panic spreads. He stresses the need for more robust research, including long-term, randomized controlled trials, to determine erythritol's true impact on cardiovascular health.

In another article titled Debunking the Erythritol Study, the author criticizes the Cleveland Clinic study for its small sample size, lack of a control group, and failure to account for potential confounding factors. These shortcomings make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the safety of erythritol.

The article also highlights that the study's funding came from a competitor in the sweetener industry, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and biases. The author concludes that the study does not provide strong evidence against erythritol and advises readers to view the findings with skepticism. The safety and potential health benefits of erythritol are still supported by previous research, and more comprehensive studies are needed to draw any definitive conclusions.

Why is Erythritol in the Unicity Unimate Yerba Mate Drink Formulation?

Unicity International, founder of the Feel Great System and formulator and manufacturer of the Unimate yerba mate product, is recognized as a global leader in innovative metabolic health sciences. They provide world-class, science-based products aimed at improving health.

We all want our food to taste good, and when it comes to food-based supplements, it's no different. Tasty and healthy food is possible, though it can be challenging to create. As a science-based food supplement company, Unicity's mission is to create products that fill the nutritional gaps in our diets without sacrificing taste.

Unicity's products go through several rounds of taste tests by real people, utilizing sensory science and designing suitable tests to collect measurable responses. These tests include descriptive analyses during the R&D stage, difference tests to match reference products, and consumer acceptance tests to ensure products are well-received by potential consumers. Adjustments are made as needed to ensure products are both good for you and taste good too. 

A common solution to improve taste is to add salt or sugar. However, this technique can do more harm than good, which is why Unicity focuses on flavor synergy and flavor maskers instead—combining flavors that enhance the flavors we like. For example, vanilla makes food taste sweeter, reducing the need for added sugar or sweeteners that often leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Flavor maskers offset bitter flavors and undesirable aftertastes caused by certain ingredients by covering up bitter tastes with other flavors, such as citrus, fruit, vanilla, or cocoa. Natural high-potency sweeteners and buffer salts like gluconate, citrate, and acetate can also help balance out the bitterness.

Unicity strongly believes that providing people with the proper tools can help eradicate many of today's leading health crises. In the case of sweeteners, some product formulas contain them, including erythritol. In an official statement issued by Unicity's Chief Science Officer, the reasoning and efficacy behind the use of erythritol were specifically addressed from a scientific standpoint.

In conclusion, Unicity's commitment to creating scientifically-backed, health-promoting products like Unimate Yerba Mate ensures that consumers receive both great taste and nutritional benefits. Their thorough testing, R&D, and thoughtful formulation process, make Unimate yerba mate a reliable choice for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Feel confident in the Unimate yerba mate formula is back by clinical trials and listed in the Prescribers Desk Reference (PDR), and take the next step towards improved health and well-being by experiencing the benefits for yourself. Don't hesitate—try Unimate Yerba Mate today and unlock your full potential!

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