- New research suggests erythritol, a popular zero-calorie sweetener, may disrupt brain blood vessel function, increasing stroke risk by promoting clotting and vessel constriction.
- The study found erythritol spikes harmful free radicals by 75 percent, reduces nitric oxide (essential for vessel relaxation) and raises clot-promoting proteins by 30 percent.
- These effects mirror conditions tied to ischemic strokes, aligning with prior studies showing higher erythritol levels correlate with heart attacks and strokes.
- Erythritol’s “natural” marketing has boosted its use in keto/diet products, but emerging evidence joins it to other scrutinized sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin.
- While not yet proven in humans, researchers urge moderation, recommending reduced overall sweetness intake rather than relying on sugar substitutes.
Millions of Americans reach for sugar-free products every day, believing they’re making a smarter choice for their health. But new research from the University of Colorado-Boulder suggests that one of the most popular zero-calorie sweeteners — erythritol — may come with serious hidden risks. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found that erythritol disrupts key functions of brain blood vessel cells, potentially increasing the risk of stroke.
For years, erythritol has been marketed as a safe, natural alternative to sugar, approved by the FDA in 2001 and widely used in diet sodas, keto snacks and sugar-free gum. But this latest research adds to growing concerns that artificial sweeteners, once touted as the solution to obesity and diabetes, may carry unforeseen health consequences. (Related: Study: Popular sugar substitute erythritol linked to CARDIOVASCULAR ISSUES.)
How erythritol harms brain blood vessels
The study focused on human brain microvascular endothelial cells — specialized cells that line the tiny blood vessels in the brain, acting as gatekeepers for the blood-brain barrier. Researchers exposed these cells to a concentration of erythritol equivalent to what a person would have in their bloodstream after drinking a typical artificially sweetened beverage.
The results were alarming. Erythritol triggered a 75 percent increase in harmful free radicals — unstable molecules that damage cells — while simultaneously reducing nitric oxide, a crucial compound that keeps blood vessels relaxed and open. At the same time, levels of endothelin-1, a protein that constricts blood vessels, rose by 30 percent.
Perhaps most concerning was the sweetener’s effect on clotting. Normally, brain cells release a natural clot-busting enzyme called t-PA when exposed to thrombin, a clotting protein. But erythritol-treated cells failed to respond at all — meaning the brain’s ability to prevent dangerous blockages was severely impaired.
“Big picture, if your vessels are more constricted and your ability to break down blood clots is lowered, your risk of stroke goes up,” said first author Auburn Berry, a graduate student. “Our research demonstrates not only that, but how erythritol has the potential to increase stroke risk.”
These cellular changes mirror conditions known to contribute to ischemic strokes, which occur when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., and this study suggests that erythritol could be a hidden factor in elevating that risk.
The findings align with earlier research. A 2023 study tracking 4,000 people in the U.S. and Europe found that those with higher erythritol levels were significantly more likely to suffer heart attacks or strokes within three years. Another trial showed that consuming just 30 grams of erythritol — the amount in a single sugar-free drink — increased platelet activity, making blood more prone to clotting.
Erythritol’s rise in popularity coincides with the growing demand for low-carb and sugar-free products. Marketed as “natural” and “diabetes-friendly,” it has become a staple in keto and weight-loss diets. But as more studies emerge linking it to cardiovascular risks, consumers may need to rethink their reliance on artificial sweeteners.
This isn’t the first time a sugar substitute has faced scrutiny. Saccharin, once widely used, was linked to bladder cancer in the 1970s. Aspartame, found in Diet Coke, was classified as a possible carcinogen by the World Health Organization in 2023. Now, erythritol joins the list of sweeteners under the microscope.
The researchers caution that their study was conducted in lab-grown cells, not living humans, so it doesn’t definitively prove erythritol causes strokes. However, the mechanisms they identified — increased clotting, vessel constriction and oxidative stress — are well-established risk factors.
Those who consume multiple erythritol-sweetened products daily may face higher risks. Instead of swapping sugar for artificial substitutes, health professionals increasingly recommend reducing overall sweetness in the diet.
A wake-up call for consumers
The promise of guilt-free sweetness has driven the artificial sweetener industry for decades. But as science evolves, it’s becoming clear that “sugar-free” doesn’t always mean “risk-free.” Erythritol, once considered a safe alternative, may carry hidden dangers — particularly for brain and heart health.
Until further research confirms or refutes these findings, consumers should approach sugar substitutes with caution. Reading labels, limiting intake and prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods may be the safest path forward. After all, when it comes to health, there’s no such thing as a free lunch — or a free sweetener.
Watch and listen to a discussion about the dangers of erythritol-sweetened products daily.
This video is from the Conners Clinic channel on Brighteon.com.
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Sources include:
Studyfinds.org
Neurosciencenews.com
EurekaAlert.org
Brighteon.com
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