Potential Risks of Erythritol: A Common Sugar Substitute and Its Impact on Brain and Heart Health

Recent research highlights concerns over erythritol, a widely used low-calorie sugar substitute often found in sugar-free products like energy drinks, snack foods, and protein bars. While marketed as a healthier alternative that does not spike blood glucose or insulin levels, new findings suggest erythritol may have adverse effects on vascular health.

Scientists presented their study at the 2025 American Physiology Summit in Baltimore, where they examined the cellular impacts of erythritol on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells—cells that make up the tiny blood vessels in the brain. The results showed that exposure to amounts of erythritol comparable to a single beverage increased oxidative stress in these cells and decreased the production of nitric oxide, a key molecule that helps blood vessels relax and dilate.

Reduced nitric oxide levels can impair vasodilation, leading to diminished blood flow, and potentially elevating the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. Previous research has also linked erythritol consumption to a higher risk of adverse cardiac incidents, raising questions about its perceived health benefits.

"Although erythritol is included in many products marketed as healthier options, more research is needed to understand its full impact on vascular health," commented Auburn Berry, a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder and the study's primary author. She emphasized that consumers should be mindful of their erythritol intake.

This research underscores the importance of evaluating the long-term effects of sugar substitutes, especially as consumers often assume they are healthier options. As erythritol continues to be a common ingredient in many popular products, ongoing research will be crucial to determine its safety and potential risks.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-popular-sugar-substitute-brain-heart.html