Study Links Erythritol to Stroke Risk, Finds Blood-Brain Barrier Damage in 3 Hours

A new study suggests erythritol, an artificial sweetener found in some diet beverages, may increase stroke risk.

According to the British Daily Mail on the 11th (local time), researchers at the University of Colorado recently published findings in the Journal of Applied Physiology on the negative effects of erythritol on human vascular cells.

The research team exposed human blood-brain barrier cells to erythritol in a laboratory setting. The concentration levels were set to match blood levels typically seen after consuming diet beverages.

Within three hours of the experiment's start, significant changes were observed in blood-brain barrier cells. The blood-brain barrier is a critical defense system that allows nutrients to pass through while blocking toxic substances.

The study found decreased levels of proteins that break down blood clots within the cells. These proteins play a crucial role in preventing strokes. Lower levels may increase the risk of clot formation.

Abnormal contraction of vascular cells was also observed. Excessive blood vessel contraction can reduce blood flow and increase the likelihood of clot formation. This is identified as a risk factor that could lead to ischemic stroke.

The researchers concluded that "erythritol may contribute to increased risk of ischemic stroke." However, they noted that additional research is needed on long-term effects in the human body, as these results come from cell experiments.

The study is drawing heightened attention amid a recent trend of increasing strokes among younger populations with unclear causes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke rates among young adults have increased approximately 15% since 2011.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about erythritol's cardiovascular effects. Previous large-scale observational studies have reported that groups with higher blood erythritol levels were more likely to experience major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

A 2023 study analyzing approximately 1,000 patients found that groups with high blood erythritol levels had roughly twice the risk of severe cardiovascular disease compared to those with lower levels.