Low-calorie sweetener may increase risk of stroke
A new study suggests that erythritol, a common sugar substitute, may increase the risk of vascular health issues like stroke.
Researchers found that exposure to erythritol levels comparable to those in a single energy drink increased oxidative stress and disrupted nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells.
Oxidative stress can damage cells, while nitric oxide is crucial for blood vessel dilation and healthy blood flow.
This research challenges the perception of erythritol as a harmless sugar substitute and highlights the need for moderation, especially for individuals with vascular disease risk factors, a scientist says.
The study's abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit and will be published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
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