A recent study has found that the sugar substitute erythritol may be linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. The research, being presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit, discovered that erythritol can cause oxidative stress in brain cells and lower levels of nitric oxide, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Erythritol is widely used in sugar-free products, including energy drinks, snack foods, and protein bars. However, experts are warning that it may not be entirely safe to consume, especially in large quantities. Scott Keatley, a registered dietitian, notes that while erythritol is often marketed as a “natural” sugar substitute, there is growing evidence suggesting it may have negative health effects.
The study found that cells exposed to erythritol produced less nitric oxide, which can lead to blood vessels becoming narrower and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr. Christopher Yi, a vascular surgeon, explains that this imbalance can cause oxidative stress in brain cells and lead to the buildup of harmful molecules.
Erythritol is approved by the FDA as a sweetener and is classified as “generally recognized as safe.” However, experts recommend consuming it sparingly, particularly for those at higher risk for cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, advises being mindful of how much erythritol you consume regularly.
The researchers behind the study emphasize the need for further research to understand the negative health effects of erythritol. As one expert notes, “Until we learn more about the negative health effects of erythritol, we should try to understand how much erythritol we are consuming from our food products, and attempt to limit our intake of erythritol as much as possible.”
Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a64589165/erythritol-brain-heart-health-study