{
  "id": 15169322,
  "title": "Are protein bars safe for people with heart disease?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/are-protein-bars-safe-for-people-with-heart-disease-15169322",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T09:32:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-lifestyle",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/are-protein-bars-safe-for-people-with-heart-disease-10892203/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Protein bars may seem like a convenient way to meet daily nutritional requirements, but they could potentially impact heart health. A 2026 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology linked erythritol, a non-nutritive sweetener often found in protein bars and supplements, to an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. To clarify the connection between protein bars and heart disease, we spoke with Dr. Chirag, an Interventional Cardiology consultant at Aster Whitefield Hospitals in Bangalore. He emphasized that it's not accurate to claim that protein bars and supplements directly cause heart attacks; rather, the issue lies in the other components of the food, how frequently it is consumed, and whether it fits into one's diet.\n\nDr. Chirag pointed out that some protein bars may contain high levels of sugar, saturated fats, and sodium, while others provide calories without any additional benefits of whole foods. According to the American Heart Association's 2026 guidelines, consuming healthy protein and unprocessed foods, while reducing added sugars and sodium, and replacing saturated fats with unsaturated ones, is crucial. Dr. Chirag advises caution when selecting protein bars or supplements, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. He recommends paying close attention to the nutritional information on the product packaging, particularly focusing on saturated fat, added sugar, sodium content, calories, and fiber content. These factors can vary significantly between different protein bar products, making it essential for consumers to choose wisely.\n\nHe urged consumers to question whether they genuinely need a supplement in the first place, as many people can obtain their necessary protein requirements through alternative sources like beans, soy products, nuts, seeds, fish, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. When it comes to heart disease patients, Dr. Chirag cautioned against using stimulant and caffeine-containing substances if they experience palpitations or uncontrolled high blood pressure, as these could potentially increase blood pressure and heart rate. Furthermore, individuals with kidney problems, diabetes, or other medical conditions should consult their doctors about high-protein nutrition plans or supplements, as their protein needs may differ.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Are protein bars safe for people with heart disease?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/are-protein-bars-safe-for-people-with-heart-disease",
        "published": "2026-10-17T09:32:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}