A study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that the common sugar substitute erythritol may trigger cellular changes in brain vessels that can increase clotting and reduce blood flow, potentially elevating the risk of stroke. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, showed that exposure to erythritol led to oxidative stress within brain vessel cells, reduced nitric oxide production, increased production of a protein that constricts blood vessels, and inhibited clot-dissolving mechanisms.

The findings challenge assumptions about the safety of artificial sweeteners and suggest that non-nutritive sweeteners like erythritol may have unexpected health consequences. The research highlights the need for consumers to monitor their intake of such sweeteners, as the study focused on acute effects from a single serving. Questions remain about the long-term effects of repeated daily consumption and further investigation into the chronic effects of erythritol is warranted.