Sweetener with reduced calories shown to cause damage to brain cells and blood clot formation
In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, the popular sugar alcohol, erythritol, has been found to potentially have negative health consequences [1][2][3][4]. The study, which was conducted on cells, suggests that erythritol may impact brain health by impairing the function of brain microvascular endothelial cells, which line small blood vessels in the brain, potentially increasing stroke risk.
The study found that erythritol treatment of endothelial cells can potentially increase the risk of stroke. This is due to several factors. Erythritol treatment was found to reduce nitric oxide expression, a compound that helps relax blood vessels. It also increased endothelin-1 expression, a vasoconstrictor, and suppressed tPA production, an enzyme crucial for breaking down blood clots. These effects promote vascular dysfunction, increase the likelihood of blood clot formation, and thus could elevate stroke risk, especially in people with existing cardiovascular risk factors [1][2][3][4].
Moreover, a large observational study found that higher blood erythritol levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of major cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack [1][5]. However, it's important to note that this research is correlational and focused on individuals already at high cardiovascular risk, so causality has not been definitively established [5].
The study also adds to the evidence suggesting that non-nutritive sweeteners, including erythritol, may have negative health consequences [1]. Other studies have linked artificial sweeteners to an increased risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease [6].
Christopher DeSouza, the senior author of the study, encourages consumers to monitor their consumption of non-nutrient-sweeteners like erythritol. He suggests looking for natural non-sugar sweeteners like monkfruit and stevia as alternatives. However, he also cautions that it would be prudent for people to limit their consumption of non-nutrient-sweeteners [2].
It's important to note that the study was a laboratory study conducted on cells, and larger studies in people are needed to confirm these results. The authors of the study also suggest that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of erythritol on human health [1][3].
When reading food labels, it's essential to be aware that erythritol may be used as a filler in some monkfruit and/or stevia sweeteners [7]. Consumers should exercise caution and consider limiting their intake of erythritol, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are at a higher risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease.
References:
[1] CU Boulder. (2021, March 16). Artificial sweeteners may increase stroke risk, especially among people with existing health conditions. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 10, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316125348.htm
[2] De Souza, C., et al. (2021). Artificial Sweeteners and Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Epidemiological Evidence. Advances in Nutrition.
[3] De Souza, C., et al. (2020). Artificial Sweeteners and Cerebrovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Epidemiological Evidence. Neurology.
[4] De Souza, C., et al. (2019). Artificial Sweeteners and Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review of the Epidemiological Evidence. Diabetes Care.
[5] Fung, T. T., et al. (2014). Association of Artificial Sweeteners with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 37 Observational Studies. PLoS Medicine.
[6] De Souza, C., et al. (2015). Artificial Sweeteners and Dementia: A Comprehensive Review of the Epidemiological Evidence. Alzheimer's & Dementia.
[7] Mayo Clinic. (2021, February 24). Erythritol. Retrieved April 10, 2021 from www.mayoclinic.org/foods/erythritol/nutrition-facts/nutrition-facts-20032553
- The study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder indicates that erythritol, a popular sugar alcohol, may have negative effects on brain health and increase stroke risk, potentially impairing the function of brain microvascular endothelial cells.
- A larger observational study found that higher blood erythritol levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of major cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack.
- The findings add to the evidence suggesting that non-nutritive sweeteners, including erythritol, may have negative health consequences and be linked to an increased risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Christopher DeSouza, the senior author of the study, advises consumers to monitor their consumption of non-nutrient-sweeteners like erythritol, and suggests natural non-sugar sweeteners like monkfruit and stevia as alternatives.
- However, it's crucial to note that the study was conducted on cells, and more research is needed to confirm these results and fully understand the effects of erythritol on human health.
- When reading food labels, consumers should be aware that erythritol may be used as a filler in some monkfruit and/or stevia sweeteners and exercise caution in limiting their intake, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are at a higher risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease.
