erythritol – Lacto Bacto

Once again artificial sweeteners are in the news, and not in a good way. New research found that the sugar substitute erythritol, at a concentration typically found in an artificially sweetened beverage, has harmful effects on the small blood vessels of the brain.

Erythritol crosses the blood brain barrier and interacts with the brain's cerebrovasculature (the blood vessels in the brain, including the arteries, veins, and capillaries that supply blood and nutrients to the brain tissue). This study focused on the smallest blood vessels (microvascular) in the brain. And yes, found that the amount or erythritol in 1 diet beverage has adverse effects at a cellular level on these blood vessels.

This study was done in a lab setting (and not directly on humans), but research results match up with other studies on erythritol. Other studies already found that erythritol increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, as well as blood clot formation. This study's results give an explanation for why there is a increased risk of these brain vascular (blood vessel) events happening.

Erythritol is found in some beverages advertised as low or zero calorie (e.g., Monster Zero energy drinks, Blue Sky Zero Sugar soda, Red Bull Zero) and in some low calorie foods (e.g., Halo Top low-calorie ice cream). Read ingredient lists on labels!

From Medical Xpress: Major sugar substitute found to impair brain blood vessel cell function, posing potential stroke risk

Erythritol may impair cellular functions essential to maintaining brain blood vessel health, according to researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder. Findings suggest that erythritol increases oxidative stress, disrupts nitric oxide signaling, raises vasoconstrictive peptide production, and diminishes clot-dissolving capacity in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. ...continue reading "The Sugar Substitute Erythritol And the Brain’s Blood Vessels"

The artificial sweetener erythritol is added to many foods. However, this sugar substitute (which is often blended with stevia) may cause health problems . A recent small study found that consuming typical "sugar-less" foods, such as erythritol sweetened drinks or erythritol sweetened muffins, more than doubled the risk of blood clotting in healthy volunteers.

After consuming the drinks, their bodies made platelets (a type of blood cell) more active, which can raise the risk of blood clots. This did not happen after consuming regular sugar (glucose).

The researchers suggest instead of artificial sweeteners, to use sugar, honey, or fruit, but in moderation.

From Medical Xpress: New study adds to increasing evidence that sugar substitute erythritol raises cardiovascular risk

New Cleveland Clinic research shows that consuming foods with erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The findings, from a new intervention study in healthy volunteers, show erythritol made platelets (a type of blood cell) more active, which can raise the risk of blood clots. Sugar (glucose) did not have this effect. ...continue reading "More Reasons To Avoid Artificial Sweeteners"