Key points
- Erythritol may damage protective blood-brain barrier
- It disrupts blood vessel regulation, increasing stroke risk
- Erythritol blocks body’s natural clot-busting mechanism
- High erythritol levels linked to greater heart attack risk
ISLAMABAD: Erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in everything from protein bars to energy drinks, has long been considered a safe alternative to sugar.
However, new research suggests it could be quietly damaging the body’s vital protective barrier — the blood-brain barrier — with potentially serious consequences for heart health and stroke risk.
If you are trying to keep sugar intake low with sugar substitutes, a common and popular sugar substitute has been shown to impair brain cells and boost stroke risk.
Research just published shows the sugar substitute Erythritol may pose a risk to cardiovascular health, especially… pic.twitter.com/hQ3aMbOktf
— Lori Shemek, PhD (@LoriShemek) July 24, 2025
A recent study from the University of Colorado revealed that erythritol might harm the cells that form the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain by blocking harmful substances while allowing nutrients through.
When these cells were exposed to levels of erythritol similar to those found after drinking a sweetened soft drink, they showed signs of oxidative stress—damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals—and reduced antioxidant defences. This resulted in impaired cell function and even cell death.
Disrupting blood vessels
More worryingly, erythritol appeared to disrupt blood vessels’ ability to regulate blood flow. Normally, blood vessels widen and narrow through the actions of two key molecules: nitric oxide, which relaxes vessels, and endothelin-1, which constricts them.
⚠️ WARNING: Popular sugar substitute erythritol linked to potential brain cell damage | @DrMarcSiegel pic.twitter.com/JP7VcCFZb7
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) July 21, 2025
The study found erythritol lowered nitric oxide while increasing endothelin-1, causing vessels to remain too narrow, which can starve the brain of oxygen and nutrients. This imbalance is linked to ischaemic stroke, where blood clots block brain vessels.
Erythritol also interfered with the body’s natural defence against clots by blocking tissue plasminogen activator, a substance that breaks down clots before they cause harm. This could leave clots free to cause strokes.
Higher rates of heart attacks and strokes
These lab findings reflect concerns from previous studies linking erythritol intake to higher rates of heart attacks and strokes. One major study found people with high blood levels of erythritol were twice as likely to suffer a major cardiac event.
However, the research has limitations. Tests were done on isolated cells, which may react differently inside the body. More advanced models are needed to confirm these effects.
Erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute found in many low-carb and sugar-free products, may not be as harmless as once believed. A new research reveals that even small amounts of erythritol can harm brain blood vessel cells, promoting constriction, clotting, and inflammation… pic.twitter.com/KL8bmtF10H
— Dr Pooja Garg (@poojagarg1111) July 23, 2025
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol produced naturally in small amounts by the body. Unlike artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, it has been approved as safe by authorities like the FDA and EFSA and is widely used due to its sugar-like taste.
Small amounts of erythritol, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, may damage brain blood vessel cells and could lead to a higher chance of stroke, researchers from the University of Colorado said in a news release. pic.twitter.com/RcRwWlnuka
— Epoch Health (@epochhealth) July 24, 2025
Still, these findings raise questions about the trade-offs of using sugar substitutes. While erythritol helps reduce calories and control blood sugar, regular consumption might compromise brain protection and increase cardiovascular risks.
As scientists continue to study these effects, consumers may want to rethink their reliance on this seemingly harmless sweetener.
