New research is now showing that erythritol, that “safe” sugar-free sweetener many people trust, may actually be harming blood vessels in the brain and raising stroke risk.

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder found that when brain blood vessel cells were exposed to erythritol (about the amount you get from just one energy drink), two things happened:

Oxidative stress shot up

Nitric oxide dropped

Why is that important? Nitric oxide is what helps blood vessels relax and keep blood flowing well. Without enough of it, circulation suffers, and the chances of stroke or heart attack can increase.

Erythritol became popular because it doesn’t spike blood sugar and is low in calories, but more and more studies are showing a different side — linking it to major heart problems. This new finding gives a possible reason why: it directly messes with how blood vessels in the brain work.

Researchers say more studies are needed, but it’s a clear warning to watch how much erythritol you’re consuming in sugar-free drinks, snacks, or supplements. That “healthy” label may come with hidden risks.

So basically, avoid all these artificial sweeteners and stick to moderation. I can’t trust labels anymore. They push “healthy” but it’s not.

What about stevia? I hope it doesn’t get a bad report too.

Wow, so the “safe” sweetener isn’t so safe after all. Scary. This is why I stick with honey and dates. Natural is best.

Stroke risk? That’s no joke. Time to cut down on sugar-free drinks. Everything sweet seems to come with a hidden price tag.

The food industry won’t stop selling it though. Too much money involved.
Anyone know if xylitol is safer or the same problem?

One energy drink level of erythritol already causes issues? That’s alarming. People think sugar-free = safe. Clearly not.

This is more proof that the body wasn’t designed for all these lab-made sweeteners. Small amounts of real sugar may be safer than these substitutes.

Didn’t a previous study also link erythritol to heart problems? Thanks for sharing.

My friend uses erythritol in all her baking. I need to send this to her.

Could this be why stroke cases are going up even among non-smokers? This is funny oo. People avoid sugar but end up with worse risks from the substitutes.

Oxidative stress + low nitric oxide = recipe for bad circulation. First it was aspartame, now erythritol. What’s left for diabetics?

(09-24-2025, 11:45 AM)Blam Wrote: The food industry won’t stop selling it though. Too much money involved.
Anyone know if xylitol is safer or the same problem?

xylitol is safer.  nit has no strong links to heart disease or stroke in humans.
But it raises blood sugar a little, but still much lower than regular sugar.
It reduces cavity-causing bacteria. That’s why it’s used in sugar-free gum and toothpaste.

In high amounts, it can cause digestive upset (bloating, gas, diarrhea), because gut bacteria ferment it.

Dogs: Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs (causes life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver failure).

(09-24-2025, 10:45 AM)GreenVet Wrote: What about stevia? I hope it doesn’t get a bad report too.

Stevia is from plants. It is widely considered safe for humans.

Doesn’t raise blood sugar but some people dislike the aftertaste, but no major cardiovascular red flags so far.

Stevia is currently the safest choice, xylitol is “okay but watch your gut (and pets),” and erythritol is the one under serious scrutiny.

(09-24-2025, 02:02 PM)FarmKing Wrote: Stevia is from plants. It is widely considered safe for humans.

Doesn’t raise blood sugar but some people dislike the aftertaste, but no major cardiovascular red flags so far.

Stevia is currently the safest choice, xylitol is “okay but watch your gut (and pets),” and erythritol is the one under serious scrutiny.

Thanks