29/07/2025
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⚠️ New Study Raises Concerns Over Popular Sugar Substitute Erythritol
A sweetener commonly marketed as "diabetic-friendly" may not be as safe as once thought. A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that erythritol—a widely used sugar alcohol found in brands like Truvia, Splenda, and Wholesome—may harm brain blood vessel cells and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
While erythritol has been praised for its sugar-like taste and minimal impact on blood sugar, researchers found it may actually reduce nitric oxide (which relaxes blood vessels) and increase endothelin-1 (which constricts them)—a dangerous combination for cardiovascular health.
The study simulated real-world exposure by treating brain vessel cells with the equivalent erythritol amount found in a single sugar-free drink. The result? Increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired blood clotting responses—all of which are warning signs for vascular damage and stroke risk.
For people with diabetes, who already face twice the risk of stroke, even small quantities of erythritol could be a hidden threat. Experts now urge consumers to read labels carefully and reconsider the routine use of sugar-free sweeteners marketed as "safe."
📚 Source:
R. Auburn et al. (2025). The non-nutritive sweetener erythritol adversely affects brain microvascular endothelial cell function. Journal of Applied Physiology, 138(6), 1571–1577.
