Summary
A study from the University of Colorado suggests that the sweetener erythritol may increase the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessel cells in the brain. This research adds to earlier findings linking high erythritol levels with cardiovascular risks. Erythritol is a common sugar substitute in many diet foods and drinks.
Key Facts
- Erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener found in many diet products.
- It might harm brain blood vessel cells, possibly raising stroke risk.
- The World Health Organization advised against non-sugar sweeteners for weight control but did not assess specific safety issues.
- Erythritol appears in many sugar-free and "keto-friendly" products.
- The study found erythritol may cause a toxic environment in brain cells and disrupt blood flow regulation.
- Erythritol prevents normal blood clot breakdown, potentially leading to strokes.
- Previous research linked higher blood levels of erythritol with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently recognizes erythritol as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for certain uses.
