A sugar substitute that many people see as a healthy choice might not be as safe as once thought.
New research shared at a major science meeting in 2025 suggests that erythritol—a sweetener used in many sugar-free drinks and snacks—could harm the blood vessels in the brain and raise the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Erythritol is often found in diet drinks, protein bars, and low-calorie foods. It’s part of a group called sugar alcohols, which are used to make food taste sweet without using real sugar.
Because erythritol has almost no calories and doesn’t cause big changes in blood sugar or insulin, it’s become popular among people with diabetes or those trying to lose weight.
But new studies are raising concerns. In the past, scientists found that people with higher amounts of erythritol in their blood had a greater risk of heart problems. This made experts wonder how this sweetener affects the body—especially the blood vessels, which are very important for good circulation.
In the new study, researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder focused on how erythritol affects the small blood vessels in the brain. These vessels are lined with special cells that help control blood flow, protect the brain, and break up blood clots.
The scientists exposed these cells to a level of erythritol that someone might get from drinking just one sugar-free drink. What they saw was troubling. The cells showed signs of stress and damage.
They had more oxidative stress, a harmful process where certain unstable molecules can damage healthy cells. This kind of stress can lead to inflammation and may hurt the blood vessels.
Another problem was that the cells made less nitric oxide. This is a natural gas that helps blood vessels relax and widen. When the body doesn’t make enough of it, the blood vessels stay tight, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of clots, strokes, and heart attacks.
Auburn Berry, the lead author of the study and a graduate student, said the results suggest people should be cautious with how much erythritol they consume. While the sweetener is promoted as a better option than sugar, we still don’t know enough about how it affects blood vessel health.
It’s important to note that this study was done in a lab, not with real people. So, the results don’t prove that erythritol causes harm in everyday life. But the changes seen in the lab were similar to what past studies found in people with high levels of erythritol.
This new research adds to a growing debate about sugar-free sweeteners. While erythritol doesn’t raise blood sugar or add calories, it might not be harmless. More studies are needed, especially long-term research on people.
For now, experts say that people trying to cut down on sugar should be careful about using too many products with erythritol. A balanced diet with natural foods and less added sweetness may still be the safest way to protect your heart and brain.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Early heart rhythm problem linked to higher dementia risk and findings of Green leafy vegetables may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Research shows an important cause of frontotemporal dementia and findings of New way to detect Lewy body disease early, a leading cause of dementia.
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