Widely Used Sweetener Erythritol Linked to Increased Stroke and Heart Attack Risk
Research published today indicates that erythritol, a sugar substitute found in many processed foods and drinks, may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
A new study from the University of Colorado reveals that erythritol could damage cells in the blood-brain barrier, the body’s protective system for the brain. Researchers exposed these cells to erythritol levels comparable to those found after consuming a sweetened soft drink, observing a chain reaction of cell damage that could heighten vulnerability to blood clots – a primary cause of stroke. The sweetener triggered oxidative stress, reducing the body’s antioxidant defenses and disrupting the delicate balance of blood vessel regulation.
The study found erythritol reduced nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessels, while simultaneously increasing endothelin-1, which constricts them. This imbalance is a known warning sign of ischaemic stroke. Furthermore, the sweetener appeared to hinder the body’s natural clot-dissolving mechanisms. Observational studies tracking thousands of participants have already linked higher blood levels of erythritol to roughly double the risk of major cardiac events. This finding is particularly concerning given the increasing prevalence of erythritol in “sugar-free” and keto-friendly products, as well as its approval by regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
While the research, published in The Conversation, has limitations – experiments were conducted on isolated cells – scientists acknowledge the need for further testing using more complex systems. Understanding the long-term effects of food additives is a growing challenge in nutritional science, and this research adds to a body of evidence suggesting even “natural” sugar alternatives may pose unexpected health risks. The potential impact on public health is significant, as millions rely on sugar substitutes for weight management and diabetes control; you can learn more about managing diabetes here.
Researchers are continuing to investigate these links and will present further findings as they become available.
