Common Sweetener May Harm Critical Brain Barrier, Risking Stroke

A University of Colorado study found that erythritol, a common sugar substitute, may harm blood-brain barrier cells and blood vessel function.

In lab tests, cells exposed to realistic erythritol levels showed oxidative damage, lower nitric oxide, higher endothelin-1, and weaker clot-dissolving defenses.

The findings add mechanistic support to earlier research linking higher erythritol exposure with heart attack and stroke risk.

Researchers say the results raise concern that erythritol could interfere with vascular and brain-protective systems involved in clot formation and oxygen delivery.