Popular Sugar Substitute Erythritol Linked to Brain Damage and Stroke Risk
New research reveals that erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute found in keto snacks and diet drinks, can disrupt blood vessel cells in the brain. The substance reduces vessels' ability to relax, increases harmful oxidative stress, and impairs the body's ability to break down clots. Scientists warn these effects could raise stroke risk even at typical consumption levels.
A widely used sugar substitute found in everything from keto snacks to diet drinks may not be as harmless as it seems. New research shows that erythritol can disrupt brain blood vessel cells, reducing their ability to relax, increasing harmful oxidative stress, and impairing the body’s ability to break down clots. These changes create conditions that could raise stroke risk, even at typical consumption levels.