Erythritol Sweetener in Diet Products Could Elevate Stroke Vulnerability
A concerning study that has recently resurfaced indicates that sugar-free energy drinks, ice creams, and protein bars might be elevating the risk of life-threatening strokes. Researchers from the University of Colorado conducted laboratory experiments exposing human cells to erythritol, a popular sugar substitute, at concentrations comparable to those found in a typical diet soda.
Alarming Cellular Changes Observed Within Hours
The analysis revealed that after just three hours of exposure, significant and troubling alterations occurred in cells from the blood-brain barrier. This critical biological structure acts as the brain's security system, selectively permitting nutrients while blocking harmful substances. Scientists documented a noticeable reduction in the cells' release of clot-busting proteins, which are essential for preventing strokes.
Furthermore, the research team observed that blood vessel cells became dangerously constricted. This constriction heightens the risk of blockages from clots, potentially leading to a stroke or depriving the brain of necessary oxygen and nutrients. The warning emerges amidst a puzzling increase in stroke incidents among younger adults, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting a nearly 15 percent surge since 2011.
Sweetener Found in Popular Zero-Sugar Products
Erythritol is extensively used in numerous products marketed as healthier alternatives, including zero-sugar Monster Energy drinks, Halo Top ice creams, and various Quest protein bars. Auburn Berry, the graduate student who led the research, emphasized in a press release that while erythritol is widely adopted, more comprehensive investigation is required to fully grasp its effects on vascular health.
Berry advised, "In general, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis." Although this particular study was relatively small and utilized cells outside the human body, it contributes to a growing corpus of evidence expressing concerns over artificial sweeteners.
Study Details and Limitations
The research, originally published in July of last year in the Journal of Applied Physiology, has regained attention this week through scientific reports online. The paper detailed that cells exposed to erythritol suffered damage, and in some instances, cell death occurred. Notably, the sweetener was found to impair the cells' capability to release proteins that dissolve clots, a function that typically reduces stroke risk.
In their conclusion, researchers stated that erythritol "potentially contributes to [an] increased risk of ischemic stroke." An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel in the brain, cutting off blood and oxygen supply to brain tissue, which can lead to rapid cell death. Approximately 700,000 Americans experience this type of stroke annually.
However, the study does have limitations. The experiments were performed on isolated cells in a laboratory setting rather than within a complete blood vessel system, meaning the cells might have behaved differently under natural conditions. Scientists acknowledge that more advanced and sophisticated testing will be necessary to confirm erythritol's potential effects on the human body.
Erythritol's Unique Properties and Broader Concerns
Erythritol distinguishes itself from other sweeteners as it is a sugar alcohol and occurs naturally in small quantities within the human body. It possesses about 80 percent of sugar's sweetness. In contrast, major artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are synthesized in laboratories and can be up to 600 times sweeter than sugar.
While sugar alternatives assist individuals in reducing sugar intake and potentially losing weight without sacrificing sweet flavors, some studies have raised alarms about possible cell damage and alterations to the human microbiome, which might paradoxically lead to weight gain.
Supporting Research and Regulatory Attention
This study is the latest in a series cautioning against erythritol's risks. Several large-scale investigations have found that regular consumers of the sweetener face a higher likelihood of heart disease and strokes. A 2023 study involving over a thousand patients revealed that those with the highest blood levels of erythritol were twice as prone to experiencing a major cardiac event, such as a stroke, compared to those with the lowest levels.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously criticized artificial sweeteners, labeling them "poison," though he has not specifically targeted erythritol. At an April press conference, he remarked, "I don't think we are going to be able to eliminate sugar. But I think what we need to do, probably, is give Americans knowledge about how much sugar is in their products, and also, with the new nutrition guidelines, we'll give them a very clear idea about how much sugar they should be using, which is zero."
As the debate over sugar substitutes continues, this resurfaced research underscores the importance of consumer awareness and further scientific inquiry into the long-term health impacts of erythritol and similar sweeteners.
