Study: This Popular Ingredient May Increase Stroke Risk

People who want to lower their calorie consumption or eat less sugar to protect their dental health have been turning to sugar alternatives for decades. For people with diabetes, these alternatives have been great, but for your average person, are they necessary or safe? Researchers from the University of Colorado reported that the low-calorie sugar substitute, erythritol, may damage the brain’s protective barrier and increase the risk of stroke. This was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Erythritol appears to cross the blood–brain barrier, which can disrupt blood flow regulation and disable clot production, which means clots can trigger strokes, a Newsweek article noted.

Earlier research published in the journal Nature suggested that this common sugar substitute puts people at risk for cardiovascular dangers, such as heart attacks. The University of Colorado study adds evidence of potential harm.

What Has Erythritol In It?

Protein bars, energy drinks, desserts, snacks, and chewing gum have this ingredient. The following list is by no means exhaustive.

Protein bars for someone following a Keto diet have this ingredient.

• Quest Nutrition Bars in flavors Double Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Brownie, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• Most flavors of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
• Atkins brand protein bars in a variety of flavors

Energy drinks have this ingredient, too. Popular brands like Monster are among those sugar-free varieties that carry this ingredient. It’s desserts too, including all flavors of Halo Top Light Ice Pops and Halo Top Keto Series Pops, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Other Sugar Substitutes Raise Concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame, found in sugar-free yogurts and desserts, as a possible carcinogen. The ClevelandClinic found that stevia, another sugar substitute, may be harmful for gut health, although studies have mixed results about whether it’s safe. Some experts prefer Stevia to other sugar alternatives.

In small amounts, you may not experience any issues, but some people have reported nausea and bloating from using these ingredients in snacks and drinks.

As with anything you eat, drink, or chew (like sugar-free gum), it’s important to weigh the risks with the rewards to protect your overall health.