Latest news with #erythritol
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A Dietitian Reveals the Truth About Sugar-Free Candy
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."When you walk down the candy aisle, it's hard not to notice the array of sugar-free treats promising all the sweetness with none of the sugar. Whether you have a type of diabetes or are simply cutting added sugar. Maybe you've wondered: Are these candies too good to be true? What's really inside those shiny wrappers, and are they really 'better-for-you?' As a dietitian, I'm here to peel back the label and get honest about the truth about sugar-free candy. If you've ever been curious about the ingredients, how they affect your body, or how to separate fact from fiction, here's everything you need to know about the type of food. What is sugar-free candy, and is sugar-free candy truly sugar-free? Sugar-free candy is exactly what it sounds like: Sweet treats made without traditional sugar. Instead of using sugar, these candies typically rely on alternative sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or sucralose to deliver that familiar sweet taste. They're often favored by people looking to cut back on their sugar intake, whether for health reasons like managing blood sugars or simply for reducing calorie consumption. You'll find sugar-free versions of everything from chocolates to gummies, all designed to satisfy a sweet tooth without the added sugar. But here's the kicker. 'Sugar-free' doesn't always mean a total absence of sugar. The term is regulated, and sugar-free candy can contain tiny amounts of sugar as long as it's under 0.5 grams per serving. Additionally, while these candies skip traditional sugar, they sometimes include sugar alcohols or other sweeteners, which may still affect your body differently. For example, sugar alcohols often have a lower impact on blood sugar compared to regular sugar, making them appealing for people watching their glucose levels. However, eating too much can sometimes cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, or even diarrhea in some individuals. For most people, they're a helpful option for enjoying sweets in moderation, but it's important to read labels carefully to understand exactly what you're getting. It's important to note that sugar-free candy doesn't always mean it's free of carbohydrates. For example, Werther's Original Sugar-Free Hard Candies contain 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, even though they contain zero sugar. Not all carbohydrates used as ingredients are considered a sugar, and may impact blood glucose levels. What do they put in sugar-free candy? The sweetness in sugar-free candy comes from several possible substitutes. Here's a closer look at the most common ones: 1. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, aspartame, or saccharin, are popular in many sugar-free products. These compounds deliver a sweet taste without contributing the same number of calories as sugar and typically don't have a significant impact on blood sugar. Because they are much sweeter than sugar, only very small amounts are needed. Most artificial sweeteners pass through the digestive system with minimal absorption, so their caloric contribution is limited. Some studies have looked at possible effects on gut health and sweet cravings, but research in these areas is still ongoing. 2. Sugar alcohols Ingredients like maltitol, xylitol, and erythritol are classified as sugar alcohols. They occur naturally in some foods but are often manufactured for use in sugar-free candies. Sugar alcohols are lower in calories than sugar and are only partially absorbed by the body, meaning they may have a less drastic effect on blood sugar. It's worth noting that eating large amounts of sugar alcohols may cause digestive discomfort, like bloating or diarrhea, because they are not fully absorbed and are fermented by gut bacteria. 3. Other additives Sugar-free candies can include additives such as thickeners or fats to mimic the texture of traditional candy. These ingredients can influence the final product's calorie and nutrient content, so sugar-free doesn't always mean low in calories or fat. Reading the ingredient list can help you better understand what's in your sugar-free candy and how it fits within your personal preferences and needs. Is sugar-free candy good or bad for you? Sugar-free candy seems like a dream come true for anyone aiming to cut back on sugar. But, whether it's 'good' or 'bad' for you really depends on your individual needs. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide if sugar-free candy deserves a spot in your snack stash. Potential advantages Cutting back on added sugar If you're managing your sugar intake, sugar-free candy can be a nice alternative for satisfying your sweet tooth without the added sugars of traditional treats. It can be a win for those trying to manage their sugar levels or simply avoid the sugar rush crash. Just remember that sugar-free doesn't always mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free! Lower calorie option Many sugar-free candies have fewer calories than their regular counterparts, making them appealing if you're keeping an eye on calorie consumption. It's a little indulgence that doesn't feel like it's overdoing it. Better for blood sugar Unlike regular candy, which can cause blood sugar spikes in some individuals, sugar-free options are less likely to have this effect. This makes them a better choice for those managing diabetes or aiming to maintain steady blood sugar levels. However, it's still important to manage your portion sizes, as overindulging in sugar-free candy may also affect blood sugar. Potential drawbacks Digestive issues Here's the not-so-sweet side: many sugar-free candies use sugar alcohols like erythritol or sorbitol, which may cause bloating or discomfort if you eat too much. It's kind of like your stomach waving a little white flag after one too many pieces. Still an ultra-processed food with low nutritional value Don't forget, sugar-free doesn't always mean 'healthier.' These candies are ultra-processed foods and often come with a list of added ingredients like thickeners or oils. Also, just like regular candy, most of the sugar-free options do not contain any vitamins or minerals, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a nutritious snack. Sugar-free does not always mean carbohydrate-free For those watching their carbohydrate intake, sugar-free candy may still contain carbs. So it's important to consult the nutrition label to get the full picture. Is sugar-free candy good for your blood sugar? When it comes to blood sugar, sugar-free candy generally has less impact than candy made with standard sugar. This is because the sweeteners used, such as sugar alcohols or non-nutritive artificial sweeteners, are absorbed more slowly or not at all. The role of carbohydrates As mentioned previously, not all 'sugar-free' candies are carb-free. Some sugar-free candies, especially those with sugar alcohols like maltitol, still contain carbohydrates that can modestly affect blood sugar. Sugar-free candies may be better for your blood sugar management, but depending on the variety you choose, your sugar-free sweet treat may still impact your blood sugar, depending on the ingredients used to make it and the portion you consume. Studies on artificial sweeteners vs. sugar Artificial sweeteners should not cause blood sugar spikes—but there is ongoing research about their potential long-term effects, including possible impacts on gut bacteria or insulin response, but no conclusive evidence for major health risks when consumed in moderation. Everyone processes carbohydrates and sweeteners a bit differently. If you have specific health concerns, such as monitoring blood glucose or experiencing digestive sensitivity, you may want to pay attention to ingredient lists and portion sizes. The bottom line Sugar-free candy can satisfy a craving for something sweet without added sugars, but it's not inherently 'better' or 'worse' than other treats. The truth about sugar-free candy is that it's one option among many, and its value ultimately depends on your unique context, whether that's medical needs, personal taste, or individual response. A few things to keep in mind: Read labels: Check for sweetener types and other ingredients so you know what you're getting. And if you are watching your blood glucose, consider the amount of carbohydrates in the sugar-free food you're eating. Pay attention to your experience: Notice how different sweeteners affect your cravings, digestion, or overall satisfaction. Enjoy as part of your routine: Including sugar-free candy, like any food, is about choice and balance, not about restriction or 'good' versus 'bad' foods. At the end of the day, sugar-free candy is just one way to enjoy sweetness in your life. Whether you choose it or not, the most important thing is finding what works best for your body and brings you joy. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Health snacks loved by young people shockingly linked to risk of sudden strokes, heart attacks
A popular sweetener used in protein bars and sugar-free energy drinks could raise your risk of suffering from a stroke, a study suggests. Researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder, exposed human cells found in the brain to erythritol in amounts they claimed mirrored a diet soda. The cells showed worrying changes within hours, including a decrease in the amount of clot-busting proteins they released, which is key for preventing strokes. Auburn Berry, a graduate student who led the research, said: 'While erythritol is widely used in sugar-free products marketed as healthier alternatives, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on vascular health. 'In general, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis.' It comes amid a mystery rise in strokes in young people, which have surged almost 15 percent among under-45s since 2011 — according to CDC data. Erythritol is a wildly popular sweetener, used in drinks including Vitaminwater Zero sugar, Monster Zero and Arizona Iced Tea, and in Quest protein bars. It is also found in the sweetener truvia, which is often added to coffee as a sugar replacement. Although the new study was small and used isolated cells, it adds to the growing body of evidence raising concern about the sweetener. A 2023 Cleveland Clinic study tracked 4,000 people found those who consume erythritol were more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or early death. The new study was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. Researchers isolated human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells — cells that line blood vessels in the brain. After exposing them to erythritol for three hours in a lab, the researchers identified several damaging changes. These included the cells producing 75 percent more compounds that can damage them and surrounding tissue. And they also produced about 20 percent less of a compound used to help blood vessels relax, allowing more blood to flow through and minimizing the risk of a clot. Researchers also noted that erythritol decreased the production of a clot-busting protein called t-PA, which can dissolve clots and help prevent strokes. In their conclusion, they said the sweetener 'potentially contributes to [an] increased risk of ischemic stroke'. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. This can cause brain cells to die within minutes. Limitations of the study include that it was carried out in a lab outside the human body, which may not mirror internal conditions. For example, it was not clear how much of the sweetener is typically absorbed by these cells in people. The study also exposed the cells to the equivalent of 30 grams of erythritol. The researchers claimed this was 'equivalent to the typical amount... in an artificially sweetened beverage.' But the stated amount of sweetener in the beverages typically falls below this threshold. For example, Monster Energy Zero contains about two grams of erythritol — according to consumer website Open Food Facts. Meanwhile Vitaminwater says less than one percent of its 500 milliliter (ml) bottles contain erythritol, or less than five grams. Quest protein bars also contain up to five grams of erythritol each, according to the company's website. Erythritol is about 70 percent as sweet as sugar but contains six percent of the calories. It can be found in small amounts naturally in some foods, but in diet sodas is often made from processing corn. It also isn't easily processed by the body, meaning it is often passed out through urine. Some may, however, be stored in the body — where its effects can build-up overtime. It was approved by the FDA as safe for foods in 2001 The study comes amid a concerning rise in strokes among young Americans, with previous work blaming this on increased stress, a more sedentary lifestyle and higher drug use than past generations. Obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes also play a role — all three are more prevalent in young people today than historically. In previous research from last year, scientists also found that when people are given the sweetener erythritol, cells in their blood that cause clotting become more active. Specifically, they found the sweetener caused platelets in the blood to become activated and stick together, forming clots.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
The Truth Behind Artificial Sweeteners and Other Risks to Consider
Last March, a new study published in the Nature Metabolism journal concluded that artificial sweeteners, like those in diet soda, can make you feel hungrier. The findings state that sucralose, the artificial sweetener studied, "can affect key mechanisms in the hypothalamus responsible for appetite regulation, and that indulging fair amount of artificial sweeteners may "ultimately influence appetite regulation and metabolic responses over time." The latest research on sucralose isn't the first to suggest that sugar substitutes don't always lead to healthier outcomes. In August of 2024, Cleveland Clinic research found a link between erythritol -- a sugar substitute in many baked goods and sweets -- and a potentially higher risk of cardiovascular events like a stroke or heart attack. Published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, the study found that erythritol had a blood-clotting effect, unlike glucose found in regular sugar. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sugar substitute. Though it occurs naturally in some fruits, it's added to foods in much higher amounts. It's also different from other sugar substitutes like aspartame or sucralose. While the study was small and does not prove causation, its findings are important because of how commonly artificial sweeteners and low-calorie sugar substitutes are touted as the healthier option -- particularly to people and who may already be at a higher risk for heart disease. They've also gained some popularity as a keto-friendly option. The findings add to similar existing research on erythritol and cardiovascular risk done by the clinic which was published in Nature Medicine in 2023. Artificial or low-calorie sweeteners like erythritol are often added to foods like baked of this recent news follows the 2023 advice from the World Health Organization to not use sugar substitutes as a means for long-term weight control or management, as it doesn't tend to work. "Many professional societies and clinicians routinely recommend that people at high cardiovascular risk – those with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome – consume foods that contain sugar substitutes rather than sugar," Dr. Stanley Hazen, senior and corresponding author of the newer erythritol study and chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences in Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, said in Cleveland Clinic news release. "These findings underscore the importance of further long-term clinical studies to assess the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to approach sugar substitutes the same way they should approach real sugar: with moderation. The difference, though, is that low-calorie or zero-calorie sweetener options have different health benefits and risks than regular sugar. And because sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners come in such different forms, it makes the health benefit-risk profile even harder to pin down. Here's what to know. nortonrsx/Getty Images Types of alternative sweeteners Before diving into sugar versus sugar alternatives, it's helpful to know what alternative sweeteners actually are -- there are three types of alternative sweeteners, all with their own uses, benefits and drawbacks. Artificial sweeteners are what most people typically think of when considering sugar alternatives: Splenda (sucralose), Sweet'N Low (saccharin), Equal (aspartame) and Sweet One (acesulfame K). Another, called Newtame, uses a less popular sweetener called neotame. These sweeteners can be 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose) and they have zero calories, which is why they're called non-nutritive sweeteners. The only exception is aspartame, which does have calories, but the amount is often considered negligible because you need very little aspartame to achieve an intensely sweet taste in foods and drinks. Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that occurs naturally in plants, but they can also be man-made in labs. Most sugar alcohols are processed from sugars and starches through a chemical manufacturing process. They do contain some calories, although not as many per gram as sugar. Some sugar alcohols you may have seen on food labels include sorbitol, erythritol, maltitol and xylitol: They're really common in sugar-free gum, protein bars, low-calorie ice cream and other processed foods, especially diet foods. You can also find some sugar alcohols in dental products, like toothpaste and mouthwash. They're called sugar alcohols because their chemical structure resembles both sugar and alcohol, but despite the name, these low-calorie sweeteners don't contain ethanol, the type of alcohol that leads to intoxication. Novel sweeteners include newer sugar alternatives that are difficult to place in the above two categories. The most recognizable example: stevia. Stevia, or rather stevia extract, is a popular plant-based sweetener with almost no calories. It doesn't have a chemical structure like artificial non-nutritive sweeteners, nor sugar alcohols -- so it hovers in novel sweetener limbo. Other novel sweeteners include monk fruit extract (a zero-calorie sweetener that comes from a fruit native to China) and tagatose (an artificial sweetener that is actually less sweet than table sugar). The Food and Drug Administration considers all of the above sugar alternatives as "high-intensity sweeteners," and they all come with several pros and cons. Benefits of sugar alternatives Sugar alternatives may be one of the most scrutinized food additives around. Like any food additive, they must be authorized for consumption in the US by the FDA. The FDA currently recognizes many sugar alternatives as safe to eat, and research suggests that they can offer health benefits, especially when used for specific purposes, such as keeping diabetes under control. Could potentially help with (short-term) weight loss or maintenance If you're looking to curb your calorie intake to lose weight, but don't want to give up sweet foods and drinks, sugar substitutes are an easy first tool to try: You get the taste you desire, but without the calories. But recent research has reanalyzed this logic and suggests that alternative sweeteners may not always help with weight loss efforts (more about this under drawbacks on alternative sweeteners below). But for people who are cognizant of their overall food and drink consumption, low- or zero-calorie sweeteners may aid in weight loss. In 2023, the WHO put out a statement saying that nonsugar sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and stevia shouldn't be used for longterm weight control. (The WHO says this does not apply to low-calorie sugars or sugar alcohols.) If you are trying to lose weight, it's important that you don't inadvertently replace these calories elsewhere. Having a diet sweet tea instead of a regular sweet tea, for example, may lead you to eat more calories because you "saved" some by drinking the diet beverage. Read more: Can Diet Sodas Cause Cancer? Making Sense of the WHO's Aspartame Classification Help to keep blood sugar under control Sugar substitutes can help people with diabetes satisfy cravings without causing rises in blood sugar like real sugar does. A 2012 statement from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association says that non-nutritive sweeteners can help people reduce their sugar intake and overall calorie intake when used with good judgment, although the benefits won't apply if you overcompensate and get too much sugar from other foods. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about which sugar substitutes or sweeteners you should look for on food labels so you can satisfy your sweet tooth safely, taking your whole health history into account. Good for oral health If one thing is for sure, sugar alternatives can help with dental health. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth ferment sugar, which creates acid. The acid wears down your teeth, eventually breaking through the enamel and causing a cavity. Since sugar substitutes don't contain sugar, they can help prevent the tooth decay process. Read more: Can Prebiotic Soda Hurt Your Teeth? Here's what Experts Say Sugar alternative drawbacks Equal is another popular alternative sweetener. The original version uses aspartame, a non-nutritive sweetener that's been scrutinized for decades because of reported side effects, such as digestive symptoms. The science on aspartame and potential side effects is still conflicting, and the WHO labeled it as possibly carcinogenic in 2023. Equal Non-nutritive sweeteners, sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners definitely have their advantages, as evidenced above. They have potential pitfalls, too -- not everything about those colorful calorie-free packets is so sweet. May disrupt your gut health Research has shown that some artificial sweeteners (saccharin and sucralose), as well as stevia, can change the composition of your gut. If sweeteners reduce the number of good bacteria and hamper the growth of good bacteria, you may wind up with an imbalanced gut, which can lead to symptoms like cramping, gas and bloating. This 2019 review of studies suggests that some sweeteners can have negative effects while others, specifically sugar alcohols, may have positive effects. Research in animals has also shown negative changes to gut bacteria after consumption of artificial sweeteners, though more research is needed in humans to determine the true long-term effects of sugar alternatives on gut health. Can cause digestive upset Whether or not sweeteners disrupt your gut microbiome, they are known to cause unpleasant digestive symptoms. Most of this evidence is anecdotal, beginning decades ago with complaints about cramps after consuming aspartame. Though more studies are needed to determine the relationship between alternative sweeteners and digestive distress, research does note that some digestive symptoms may be due to changes in the gut bacteria or the way that alternative sweeteners move through your digestive tract. For now, it's best to monitor your symptoms, if any, when you consume different sweeteners (and stay away from the ones that cause distress). Can actually increase cravings for sweets Alternative sweeteners may have few or zero calories, but that doesn't mean your sugar cravings will stop. Research points out that the desire for sweet foods doesn't depend on the origin of the sweetness, and that people can develop cravings for sweet foods even in the absence of calories, likely because that combination -- sweet taste and zero calories -- confuses your body and disrupts appetite regulation. In one eyebrow-raising animal study, rats were allowed to choose between saccharin-sweetened water and intravenous cocaine, and the vast majority (94%) chose sweetened water. The authors note that the same preference was observed with sugar-sweetened water, so it can't be said that artificial sweeteners are more addictive than sugar -- just that sweetness in general can be highly addictive. Linked to longterm weight gain Some research suggests that artificial sweeteners, despite having few or no calories, may lead to weight gain when consumed frequently over time. One study even showed that drinking artificially sweetened soda coincided with an increase in waist circumference nine years later. Another found that people who used non-nutritive sweeteners had a larger increase in BMI than people who didn't consume non-nutritive sweeteners at an eight-year follow-up, except among people who exercised regularly. The reasoning behind this isn't clear, but researchers think it may have to do with metabolic changes induced by alternative sweeteners or because of compensatory behavior -- that is, thinking things like, "I drank a diet soda so I can have extra cake." The takeaway A little bit of sugar won't hurt you, especially in the form of fruit. If you have a medical condition that may be affected by sugar intake, talk to your doctor about consuming proper portions. Getty Images The current consensus is that scientists just don't know enough about the long-term effects of sugar alternatives -- artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols or novel sweeteners -- to make definitive claims, or whether sugar or alternatives are better in the long term. Both sugar and sugar alternatives are OK to eat in moderation -- what truly matters is that you make smart food choices based on your current health status and medical conditions, as well as how sugar or alternative sweeteners make you feel. After all, food is meant to be enjoyed. It's probably a good idea, for example, to stay away from sugar alcohols if you get the laxative effect. Likewise, you may want to limit table sugar if you tend to get sugar headaches or if you have diabetes. But on the tails on more research on cardiovascular risk and one sugar substitute, it's best to speak with your doctor about which sweeteners to choose if you do buy a lot of food marketed for dieting, low-calorie or sugar-free options. If you're worried about the harmful effects of either -- sugar or alternatives -- a good rule of thumb is that whole food is usually better. Choose an apple over apple juice; choose fresh-squeezed lemonade over a zero-calorie lemonade mix; choose homemade granola over store-bought. Most of all, choose whatever best suits your health needs and makes you happy.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning as just ONE popular drink can ‘damage your brain and blood vessels'
JUST one energy drink or sugar-free soda containing a key ingredient could damage the brain and blood vessels, researchers have claimed. American scientists linked a common sugar substitute to a higher risk of vascular health issues, including stroke. Erythritol (E968) is an artificial sweetener that commonly replaces sugar in low-calorie, low-carbohydrate and keto products. It tends to be used in energy drinks, protein bars and snack foods and is often marketed as "healthy", according to researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder's Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory. But they claimed that the amount of erythritol found in a single beverage serving may be enough to negatively impact brain and blood vessel health. First author Auburn Berry, a graduate student at the university, said: 'While erythritol is widely used in sugar-free products marketed as healthier alternatives, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on vascular health. 'In general, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis.' The study - presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit last month - investigated how erythritol affects oxidative stress and nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells. Oxidative stress happens when harmful molecules - called free radicals - build up in your body and there aren't enough good molecules - called antioxidants - to stop them. This can damage your cells, leading to ageing and contributing to diseases like cancer, heart problems, or diabetes. Meanwhile, nitric oxide is a gas made by your body that helps your cells communicate. It relaxes and widens your blood vessels, improving blood flow, and plays an important role in keeping your heart, brain, and immune system healthy. TikTok's viral protein Diet Coke trend explained Why doctors warn against mixing protein into your cola They exposed human brain blood vessel cells to an erythritol solution containing roughly the same amount found in an energy drink or artificially sweetened soda - about 30g - and left this in the solution for three hours. They found that exposing cells to that amount of erythritol caused significantly higher levels of oxidative stress, compared to untreated cells. The sweetener-steeped cells produced nearly 100 per cent more free radicals, researchers said. Levels of two key antioxidant enzymes also increased in the erythritol-treated cells, suggesting the cells were responding to the extra oxidative stress, and they produced less nitric oxide. The 3 feared risks of artificial sweeteners They could increase risk of heart attack and stroke Research published earlier this year suggests aspartame, a common sugar substitute, may negatively impact vascular health. It was shown to trigger insulin spikes in mice, which can lead to atherosclerosis - plaque buildup in arteries - and increased inflammation. This could potentially raise the risk of heart attack or stroke, researchers suggested. Researchers fed mice daily doses of food containing 0.15 per cent aspartame for 12 weeks - the equivalent of consuming about three cans of diet soda each day for humans Aspartame-fed mice developed larger and more fatty plaques in their arteries compared to mice who weren't given sweeteners. When the research team analysed the mice's blood, they found a "surge" in insulin levels after aspartame entered their system. They said aspartame - which is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar - seemed to "trick" the receptors into releasing more insulin. The mice's elevated insulin levels appeared to fuel the growth of fatty plaques in their arteries, researchers added. But scientists not involved in the study said you don't need to pour out your diet soda just yet - as we don't yet know whether the artificial sweetener has the same effect on humans. They may increase sugary cravings Some studies link artificial sweeteners to increased appetite and cravings for sugary food. One - published in 2021 - found that sucralose made people feel hungrier. Researcher Professor Kathleen Page said: 'Drinking artificially sweetened drinks may trick the brain into feeling hungry, which may in turn result in more calories being consumed.' However, Gavin Partington, of the British Soft Drinks Association, said the study should be 'treated with caution' because it was based on a 'tiny' number of participants. Other studies suggested that artificial sweeteners can alter people's gut microbiome and cause weight gain. But it should be noted that lots of research supports that sugar substitutes can help with weight loss and maintenance. They may be linked to type 2 diabetes People who regularly consume artificial sweeteners may be more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a lower intake, a study published in 2023 showed. The additives may stop the body from being able to regulate blood sugar levels healthily, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital suggested. Prior studies have discovered that the sweeteners saccharin and sucralose can increase the blood sugar levels of healthy people. Researchers said their findings suggested that increased oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells - which may impair blood flow - could lead to a higher risk of vascular events like stroke. Dr Berry explained to Medical News Today that the sweetener 'disrupts the production of nitric oxide,' which is vital for the blood vessels to dilate and ensures proper blood flow. This reduction in nitric oxide can impair blood vessel function, disrupt circulation, and potentially cause neurovascular damage, she added. Dr Berry suggested that people concerned about heart or brain health should consider limiting their intake, warning that 'regular erythritol consumption may impair blood vessel health and function'. She told Medical News Today: 'The most important point of our study is that non-nutritive sweeteners, in this case erythritol, can have negative health effects. 'Based on our cell studies and recent clinical studies, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis,' she added. 2 Professor Thomas Holland from the Rush University Medical Centre Institute for Health and Ageing - who was not involved in this study - told the outlet that erythritol could lead to increased rates of cognitive decline. 'Erythritol triggers a surge in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species which cause cellular damage,' he explained. 'Of particular concern is when these reactive oxygen species cause damage to neural tissue, which can lead to increased rates of cognitive decline. 'Similarly, [reactive oxygen species] can cause damage in various organ systems leading to a slew of disease processes. The body tries to defend against this by increasing its internal antioxidant defenses, but the elevated stress remains.' He advised people go for more natural options like honey or date-syrup, or stevia if they're avoiding sugar. According to the NHS, all sweeteners used in the UK undergo rigorous safety assessments before they can be added to food and drinks. It says all approved sweeteners are considered a safe and acceptable alternative to using sugar, though they don't necessarily make a food or drink healthy. There's no need to keep track of how much sweetener we consume daily, the guidance added. It's not the first time research has linked erythritol to adverse health events. A study published last year linked the sweetener to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Senior author Dr Stanley Hazen, chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences in Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute and co-section head of Preventive Cardiology, said: "Many professional societies and clinicians routinely recommend that people at high cardiovascular risk – those with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome – consume foods that contain sugar substitutes rather than sugar. "These findings underscore the importance of further long-term clinical studies to assess the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes."
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Low-calorie sweetener may increase risk of stroke
in New York 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.
