SUGAR SUBSTITUTE MAY HARM THE BRAIN

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 SUGAR SUBSTITUTE MAY HARM THE BRAIN







A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder is raising concerns about erythritol, a sugar substitute found in products ranging from low-carb ice cream to “sugar-free” sodas. Once marketed as a safe choice for people with obesity and diabetes, erythritol may pose unexpected dangers to brain health—even in small amounts.

Researchers discovered that exposing brain blood vessel cells to levels of erythritol similar to those found in a typical sugar-free beverage resulted in several harmful changes. The treated cells produced less nitric oxide, a compound that helps keep blood vessels relaxed and open. At the same time, they made more endothelin-1, a protein that tightens blood vessels. When researchers introduced a substance that would usually trigger a clot, cells exposed to erythritol were less able to produce t-PA, a natural enzyme that helps break down clots. The cells also generated more reactive oxygen species—free radicals that can damage and inflame tissues.

All of this, the researchers say, could add up to a higher risk of stroke. “Big picture, if your vessels are more constricted and your ability to break down blood clots is lowered, your risk of stroke goes up,” explained graduate student Auburn Berry, who led the research with Professor Christopher DeSouza.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol first approved by the FDA in 2001 and now found in hundreds of products. Because it’s low in calories, about 80% as sweet as sugar, and doesn’t spike insulin, it’s become a go-to for people looking to cut calories or control blood sugar. But an earlier study tracking 4,000 people in the U.S. and Europe found those with higher levels of erythritol in their blood were more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within the next three years.

The new study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying this pattern. The results suggest that even a single serving of erythritol may have an impact on brain blood vessel health. For individuals who consume multiple servings daily, the effects may be more pronounced.

The researchers caution that their findings are from a laboratory study using human cells, not live human subjects, and note that larger studies in people are needed to confirm these risks. Still, they recommend consumers check product labels for erythritol or “sugar alcohol,” and consider limiting intake.

“Given the epidemiological study that inspired our work, and now our cellular findings, we believe it would be prudent for people to monitor their consumption of non-nutrient-sweeteners such as this one,” said DeSouza.

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