News — Baltimore (April 25, 2025)—Erythritol, a commonly used sugar substitute often marketed as “healthy,” may impair blood vessel health by disrupting the brain’s ability to produce a critical compound, according to new research. Scientists will present their findings at the 2025 in Baltimore. The Summit is the flagship annual meeting of the American Physiological Society (APS).
Erythritol is a low-calorie sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, including energy drinks, snack foods and protein bars. Like other sugar alcohols, erythritol is popular because it does not affect blood glucose and insulin levels as much as sugar. However, previous research links consumption of erythritol to a higher risk of adverse cardiac events, including stroke.
In a new study, researchers treated human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells—cells from the tiny blood vessels in the brain—with erythritol. They found that the cells exposed to the amount of sweetener in one beverage serving had higher levels of oxidative (cellular) stress. In addition, the cells produced less nitric oxide, a compound that helps blood vessels dilate. Reduced nitric oxide levels can impair vasodilation, impair blood flow, and may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
“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,” said Auburn Berry, a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder and first author of the study. “In general, people should be conscious of the amount of erythritol they are consuming on a daily basis.”
NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: The will be held April 24–27, 2025, in Baltimore. To schedule an interview with the researchers, conference organizers or presenters, or to request abstract A-1054, “Erythritol Increases Oxidative Stress and Reduces Nitric Oxide Production in Human Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells,” contact APS Media Relations or call 301.634.7314. Find more highlights from the meeting in our .
Physiology is a broad area of scientific inquiry that focuses on how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function in health and disease. The American Physiological Society connects a global, multidisciplinary community of more than 10,000 biomedical scientists and educators as part of its mission to advance scientific discovery, understand life and improve health. The Society drives collaboration and spotlights scientific discoveries through its 16 scholarly journals and programming that support researchers and educators in their work.
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