Erythritol, a sugar substitute often found in “sugar-free” or “healthy” foods and drinks, may not be as safe as many people think.
According to new research that will be presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit, erythritol could hurt brain and heart health by damaging tiny blood vessels and interfering with a key compound that keeps blood flowing smoothly.
Erythritol is commonly used in products like sugar-free energy drinks, protein bars, and snacks because it has very few calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar or insulin levels the way regular sugar does.
This makes it popular among people trying to manage diabetes or reduce their sugar intake. But recent studies have raised concerns about its safety. Some earlier research has already linked erythritol to a higher risk of serious heart problems, including strokes.
In this new study, researchers wanted to understand how erythritol affects the cells that line the small blood vessels in the brain. These cells, known as cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood flow in the brain and throughout the body.
To test this, the scientists exposed these cells to a dose of erythritol similar to what you might get from drinking one sugar-free beverage. They found two troubling results. First, the cells showed signs of oxidative stress—this is a kind of internal damage that happens when harmful molecules build up in the body.
Second, the cells produced less nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a natural compound that helps blood vessels relax and widen, allowing blood to flow easily. When nitric oxide is reduced, blood vessels can become stiff or narrow, which may raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
This means that even though erythritol doesn’t raise blood sugar, it might still negatively affect the cardiovascular system by making it harder for blood to flow properly—especially in the brain.
Auburn Berry, the lead author and a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder, warned that people should be more aware of how much erythritol they consume each day. Although more research is needed to confirm the long-term effects in humans, these early lab results suggest that frequent use of erythritol might not be as safe as once thought.
To sum up, while erythritol is often advertised as a better choice than sugar, this study adds to growing evidence that it could come with hidden health risks.
People who use sugar-free products regularly should pay close attention to ingredient labels and consider cutting back on artificial sweeteners like erythritol until scientists know more about their effects on blood vessel and brain health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top 10 foods for a healthy heart, and how to eat right for heart rhythm disorders.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to cleaner arteries, and salt and heart health: does less really mean more?
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