Study: Popular sugar substitute ERYTHRITOL may harm the brain’s blood vessels

08/08/2025 / By Ava Grace

A new study suggests erythritol, a zero-calorie sweetener, may damage brain blood vessel cells, increasing stroke risk by disrupting blood flow regulation and reducing clot-dissolving proteins.
Exposure to erythritol in human brain cells caused oxidative stress, reduced nitric oxide (which widens vessels) and increased endothelin-1 (which constricts them), potentially impairing the blood-brain barrier.
Once marketed as a “natural” and safer sugar substitute, erythritol now faces scrutiny after a 2023 study linked it to heart attack/stroke risks, and the WHO warned against long-term non-sugar sweetener use.
While regulators still deem erythritol safe, researchers urge moderation, noting the study used high doses in isolated cells – not whole organisms – and call for further research on safe consumption levels.
The study highlights the trade-off between avoiding sugar and using alternatives with potential risks, emphasizing the need for personal vigilance and prioritizing whole, naturally sweet foods.

A widely used zero-calorie sweetener once hailed as a safe sugar alternative may pose hidden risks to brain health, according to new research.

A study published June 16 in the Journal of Applied Physiology (JAP) suggests that erythritol could damage cells lining the brain’s blood vessels, potentially increasing stroke risk. Erythritol is a common sugar alcohol found in sugar-free and keto-friendly products.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder exposed human brain endothelial cells – the protective lining of blood vessels in the brain – to erythritol in a lab setting. After just three hours, the cells showed signs of stress, including increased production of free radicals, unstable molecules that accelerate cell damage and aging.

Even more concerning, the sweetener disrupted the delicate balance of blood vessel regulation. It reduced nitric oxide – a compound that helps widen blood vessels – while increasing endothelin-1, which constricts them. This imbalance could lead to restricted blood flow, raising the risk of ischemic stroke – the most common type, caused by blood clots blocking brain arteries.

The study found that erythritol also impaired the cells’ ability to release a clot-dissolving protein called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Without this natural defense, blood clots could form more easily – further increasing stroke risk. (Related: Popular zero-calorie sweetener may increase stroke risk, study warns.)

The blood-brain barrier is the body’s security system, selectively allowing nutrients in while keeping toxins out. When its cells are damaged, the brain becomes more vulnerable to harmful substances and reduced oxygen supply. While the findings are preliminary, they add to mounting concerns about artificial sweeteners and their long-term effects on cardiovascular health.

The growing skepticism surrounding erythritol

Erythritol gained popularity as a “natural” sugar substitute because it occurs in small amounts in fruits like grapes and is produced by the human body. Unlike artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, it was marketed as a safer, more wholesome alternative. Food manufacturers embraced it for its mild sweetness and lack of calories, making it a staple in sugar-free ice cream, protein bars and diet beverages.

But recent studies have cast doubt on its safety. A February 2023 study published in Nature Medicine linked high blood levels of erythritol to increased risks of heart attack and stroke. That same year, the World Health Organization warned against long-term use of non-sugar sweeteners, citing potential links to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Christopher DeSouza, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the need for further research to determine safe consumption levels. “We can’t yet define an exact upper limit,” he said, “but people consuming sugar-free products regularly should be mindful of their intake.”

This study underscores a broader dilemma in modern nutrition: The trade-off between avoiding sugar and embracing alternatives that may carry their own dangers. For years, public health campaigns have warned against sugar’s role in obesity and diabetes, driving millions toward artificial sweeteners.

Regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Food Safety Authority, still classify erythritol as safe. But as research advances, it’s becoming clear that these sugar substitutes may not be the harmless solution they were once thought to be.

Watch this video that explains whether erythritol is okay to use or not.

This video is from the Conners Clinic channel on Brighteon.com.