This is everywhere—from protein bars to energy drinks. Typically, erythritol is recommended as a sugar alternative for those suffering from diabetes, obesity, and other health issues.
However, recent studies have revealed that this widely used sweetener quietly undermines one of the body’s most crucial protective barriers. As a result, it poses a serious threat to cardiovascular health.
What Did the Scientists Discover?
Research conducted by scientists at the University of Colorado (USA) showed that erythritol can damage the cells of the blood-brain barrier—a protective system in the brain that blocks harmful substances while allowing nutrients to pass through.
The findings from the team added alarming new data to previous observations linking erythritol consumption with a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
During the study, researchers exposed blood-brain barrier cells to erythritol at concentrations similar to those found in carbonated beverages containing this substance. They observed a chain reaction of cell damage that makes the brain more vulnerable to clot formation. This, as we know, is one of the primary causes of , as highlighted by Science Alert.
Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Havovi Chichger from Anglia Ruskin University (UK), explained: “Erythritol triggered what scientists call oxidative stress, filling cells with harmful, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals.” This weakened the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. “Such a dual attack disrupted the ability of cells to function normally, and in some cases led to their complete death,” Professor Chichger noted.
However, perhaps the most concerning aspect for scientists was erythritol’s impact on the ability of blood vessels to regulate blood flow. The study showed that this sweetener disrupts the function of this vital system. As it enters the body, blood vessels dangerously constrict, potentially leading to oxygen deprivation in the brain and a lack of nutrients.
This imbalance is a well-known warning sign of ischemic stroke, which is caused by the blockage of blood vessels in the brain.
“What’s alarming is that erythritol destroys the body’s natural defense against clot formation. Typically, when clots form in blood vessels, cells release a substance called tissue plasminogen activator. This dissolves the clot before it can cause a stroke,” Professor Chichger pointed out. However, the sweetener blocks this protective mechanism, allowing clots to form freely and potentially leading to serious complications.
has steadily gained popularity among food manufacturers and consumers for years, as it resembles sugar more closely than other sweeteners. Additionally, erythritol has only 80 percent of the sweetness of regular sugar, making it a common choice in various recipes to avoid an overly sweet taste. Today, it can be found in thousands of products, including so-called “sugar-free” and “keto-friendly” items.
Sweeteners like erythritol can help people reduce and manage blood sugar spikes. However, if regular consumption potentially weakens the brain’s protective barriers and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the benefits may come at a high cost.
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