We Called It: This “Safe” Sweetener Is Anything But

If you’ve been reading e-Alert for a while, you already know how we feel about artificial sweeteners.

They’re not harmless. They’re not “smart choices.” And they’re certainly not healthy.

Now, brand-new research is proving that point once again—this time with damning evidence against erythritol, a sugar substitute found in everything from low-carb ice cream to keto protein bars and sugar-free soda.

According to scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder, even small amounts of erythritol may trigger changes in brain blood vessels that increase your risk of stroke.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: The risks of these so-called “safe” sweeteners are anything but sweet.

This new study looked at how erythritol affects the delicate cells that line blood vessels in the brain. The researchers exposed those cells to the same amount of erythritol found in just one sugar-free beverage.

The results? Alarming.

The blood vessel cells began to show signs of damage and dysfunction:

• Nitric oxide production dropped—this molecule normally helps relax blood vessels and keep circulation flowing smoothly.
• Endothelin-1 increased—a protein that causes dangerous vessel constriction.
• Clot-fighting compounds plummeted—meaning blood clots could form more easily.
• Inflammatory molecules and free radicals surged—speeding up cellular aging and damage.

Put simply, erythritol disrupted the body’s natural ability to keep blood flowing safely—a recipe for stroke risk.

And while this study was done on human cells in a lab, it builds on real-world research from earlier this year. In that study, people with higher levels of erythritol in their blood had a significantly greater chance of experiencing a heart attack or stroke within three years.

Yet this sweetener is still being marketed as a smart choice for people with diabetes and obesity. It’s in protein bars, flavored waters, chewing gum, cough drops, toothpaste, and even supplements. You might be consuming it without even knowing it.

So what should you do instead?

Here are three natural ways to steer clear of artificial sweeteners and protect your vascular health:

• Cut back on processed “diet” foods. Many “sugar-free” or “keto” snacks are ultra-processed and packed with chemicals that may do more harm than good. Look for whole-food alternatives.
• Choose natural sweeteners mindfully. Try small amounts of raw honey, pure maple syrup, or monk fruit. They can add flavor without wreaking havoc on your blood vessels.
• Reset your taste buds. The less sweet you eat, the less sweet you crave. Gradually reducing your sugar intake—including substitutes—can help retrain your palate and reduce your dependence on sweetness altogether.

There’s nothing sweet about a stroke. And while the research on erythritol is still evolving, there’s already more than enough reason to proceed with caution.

As always, we’ll keep a close eye on the science and bring you the facts—not the food industry spin.

Because Big Food and Big Pharma want you dependent on their products.

We’d rather see you healthy and free.

To your health and awareness,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

Sources:

Popular sugar substitute linked to brain cell damage and stroke risk. (2025). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250718035156.htm