Diet soda fans, look out for this ingredient — it may increase your risk of blood clots and heart problems, scientists say

• A small study found that drinks containing artificial sweeteners increase the risk of blood clots.
• Blood clots can cause heart attacks and strokes.
• To cut down on sugar, swap ultra-processed desserts for dark chocolate and fruit.

Drinks that contain artificial sweeteners like Truvia and Splenda Naturals Stevia may increase your risk of blood clots and heart attacks, according to a small new pilot study .

In a study of 10 healthy people, every person's platelet responsiveness, or clotting, went up after consuming drinks that contain erythritol, the main ingredient in many popular sweeteners. Comparatively, 10 people consuming drinks with the same amount of sugar did not see changes in blood platelet activity.

Blood clots can cause strokes or heart attacks. In fact, a 2023 study also found that erythritol is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes.

Unfortunately for diet soda fans, cutting out erythritol alone may not be a silver bullet to good health.

Previous studies have linked all artificial sweeteners — including aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia , and stevia derivatives — with higher cancer risk and type 2 diabetes .

Ultimately, health experts recommend curbing sugar and getting sweetness from other sources.

Try dark chocolate, dates, or fruits to sweeten your meals

To really lose weight and protect your long-term health, you should limit your intake of sugar and sweeteners. It's best not to consume more than 25 grams a day , whether you're using brown sugar, honey, or agave .

Registered dietitian Samantha MacLeod of Fresh Communications, a company that works with brands on their health messaging, previously told Business Insider that getting sugar from fruit is the best option, as it provides bonuses like vitamins, micronutrients, and fiber.

She also recommended dipping fruit in dark chocolate as a substitute for ultra-processed desserts like cookies or ice cream.

Another registered dietitian, Lauren Manaker, recommended sweetening your smoothies or home bakes with dates , too.