A widely consumed sugar substitute may be affecting the brain’s primary security system. New evidence from researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that erythritol, a zero-calorie sugar alternative, directly damages human cells that comprise the blood-brain barrier.
According to researchers, the cellular breakdown causes severe blood vessel constriction and paralyzes the body’s natural ability to dissolve blood clots, significantly increasing the risk of ischemic stroke.
“Our study adds to the evidence suggesting that non-nutritive sweeteners that have generally been purported to be safe, may not come without negative health consequences,” Dr. DeSouza, professor of integrative physiology and director of the Integrative Vascular Biology Lab, said.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, was led by graduate researcher Auburn Berry and senior author Dr. DeSouza. The purpose of the study was to identify the exact mechanisms driving cardiotoxic events previously linked to the sweetener.
According to the study, erythritol enters the bloodstream fully intact and is excreted unchanged via urine. Because clearance takes several days, habitual consumers experience a persistent, super-physiological bioaccumulation that multiplies the vascular damage over time.
“Big picture, if your vessels are more constricted and your ability to break down blood clots is lowered, your risk of stroke goes up,” Berry said. “Our research demonstrates not only that, but how erythritol has the potential to increase stroke risk.”
Erythritol is a staple ingredient in keto snacks, diet sodas, and protein bars. Avoiding the sugar substitute requires careful scrutiny since it is the dominant bulking agent hidden in consumer baking blends.
“Given the epidemiological study that inspired our work, and now our cellular findings, we believe it would be prudent for people to monitor their consumption of non-nutrient-sweeteners such as this one,” Dr. DeSouza said.
COMMENTS