Many people choose sugar-free products to improve their health, reduce calories, or manage conditions like diabetes.
One popular ingredient in these products is erythritol, a sweetener often described as a safer alternative to sugar. It is widely used in diet drinks, protein bars, and low-calorie snacks because it provides sweetness without adding many calories or raising blood sugar levels.
However, new research is raising questions about whether erythritol is as safe as people once believed. Scientists have found early signs that this sweetener may affect the health of blood vessels in the brain, which could increase the risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
The new findings were presented at a major scientific meeting in 2025. Researchers are now taking a closer look at how erythritol works inside the body, especially its effects on the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels.
Erythritol belongs to a group of substances known as sugar alcohols. These are commonly used in food products to replace sugar while keeping the sweet taste. Because erythritol does not cause large increases in blood sugar or insulin levels, it has become especially popular among people with diabetes and those trying to lose weight.
In recent years, scientists have noticed a possible link between erythritol and heart health. Earlier studies found that people with higher levels of erythritol in their blood seemed to have a greater risk of heart-related problems. This raised concerns and led researchers to investigate how this sweetener might affect the body at a deeper level.
In the latest study, a team from the University of Colorado Boulder focused on the small blood vessels in the brain. These blood vessels are very important because they help control blood flow, protect brain tissue, and prevent harmful clots from forming.
The researchers carried out laboratory experiments using cells that line these blood vessels. They exposed the cells to an amount of erythritol similar to what a person might consume from just one sugar-free drink. Even at this level, the scientists observed several concerning changes.
The cells showed increased levels of oxidative stress. This is a condition where harmful molecules build up and start to damage healthy cells. Oxidative stress is known to play a role in many diseases, including heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to inflammation, which further harms blood vessels.
Another important finding was that the cells produced less nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a natural substance that helps blood vessels relax and stay open. When there is less nitric oxide, blood vessels can become narrower and less flexible. This can increase blood pressure and make it easier for blood clots to form, raising the risk of stroke and heart attack.
The lead author of the study, Auburn Berry, explained that these results suggest people should be cautious when consuming erythritol. While it is often marketed as a healthier choice, there is still much we do not understand about its long-term effects on blood vessel health.
It is important to note that this research was done in a laboratory, not in human participants. This means the results do not prove that erythritol causes harm in everyday life. However, the changes observed in the cells are similar to patterns seen in earlier studies involving people with higher levels of erythritol in their blood.
These findings add to an ongoing discussion about sugar substitutes. While erythritol has clear benefits, such as not raising blood sugar and helping reduce calorie intake, it may also have hidden effects that need further study.
Experts agree that more research is needed, especially long-term studies involving people, to fully understand the safety of erythritol. Until then, it may be wise to use such sweeteners in moderation.
For people trying to reduce sugar intake, focusing on a balanced diet with more natural foods and less added sweetness may still be the safest approach. Making small, steady changes in eating habits can support both heart and brain health over time.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
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