Regular Sweetener Consumption Linked to Potential Stroke Development
A growing body of research suggests that erythritol, a popular zero-calorie sweetener found in many "sugar-free" and low carb products, may have a harmful impact on vascular function and increase the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events.
Laboratory studies on human brain microvascular endothelial cells show that erythritol can negatively affect blood vessels in several ways. For instance, it increases oxidative stress by raising reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cells and inflame tissue. Additionally, erythritol reduces nitric oxide (NO) production, a molecule essential for relaxing and widening blood vessels.
Moreover, erythritol increases endothelin-1, a protein that causes blood vessel constriction, and suppresses tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), a key enzyme responsible for breaking down blood clots, impairing fibrinolysis. These combined effects can lead to vascular dysfunction, enhanced vasoconstriction, and reduced ability to dissolve clots, which are central mechanisms increasing stroke risk.
A large-scale epidemiological study involving thousands of participants in the U.S. and Europe found that elevated blood levels of erythritol were associated with a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke within three years. This study also demonstrated that erythritol enhances platelet reactivity and clot formation, providing a biological explanation for the observed increased cardiovascular risk in human populations.
Key points about erythritol’s impact include:
- Effects were observed at doses equivalent to amounts found in typical sugar-free beverages.
- Erythritol crosses the blood-brain barrier and can directly affect brain blood vessels.
- The risk may be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors.
- Researchers call for further preclinical and clinical studies to clarify erythritol’s safety profile fully.
Given these findings, consumers are encouraged to read labels more carefully and take note of ingredients like erythritol or "sugar alcohols." People who rely on these foods for health reasons might want to think twice, as the study implies that "sugar-free" or "guilt-free" food options may not be as harmless as they appear.
What's put in a product might be more important than what's left out when considering its potential health risks. Some health experts are now calling for more human studies to better understand the risks, especially for those with underlying conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
A group of researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder is currently investigating the effects of erythritol on blood vessels. As more research emerges, it seems wise to approach the consumption of erythritol with moderation until more human studies are conducted.
[1] [Study 1 Title] [2] [Study 2 Title] [3] [Study 3 Title] [4] [Study 4 Title] [5] [Study 5 Title]
- The impacts of erythritol on health-and-wellness, particularly cardiovascular-health, are a growing area of concern in science.
- Medical-conditions such as heart disease and diabetes might be exacerbated by a high consumption of nutrition derived from erythritol, a popular sweetener found in many health-focused, low-calorie food products.
- As research continues to uncover potential adverse effects of erythritol on vascular function, understanding and monitoring its presence in our diets becomes crucial for maintaining a healthy-diet and overall well-being.
