Recent research finds that a popular low-calorie sugar substitute, generally considered a healthy alternative, may potentially increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Findings in cell studies, presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit but not yet peer-reviewed or published, suggest that erythritol—often used in candies and baked goods—might affect the function of blood vessels.
Researchers warned the sweetener could inhibit the brain’s ability to produce a crucial compound that helps maintain healthy blood flow, but cautioned that more comprehensive studies are needed before drawing definitive conclusions about its safety.
Increase in Oxidative Stress
For this study, researchers found that when human brain cells were exposed to erythritol, these cells exhibited increased oxidative stress—an imbalance in the body between free radicals and antioxidants that can lead to a range of detrimental health effects, including chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and inflammatory diseases....
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