this post was submitted on 25 Jul 2025
345 points (95.5% liked)

science

20565 readers
89 users here now

A community to post scientific articles, news, and civil discussion.

rule #1: be kind

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute found in many low-carb and sugar-free products, may not be as harmless as once believed. New research from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that even small amounts of erythritol can harm brain blood vessel cells, promoting constriction, clotting, and inflammation—all of which may raise the risk of stroke.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 135 points 4 days ago (17 children)

The authors caution that their study was a laboratory study, conducted on cells, and larger studies in people are needed.

Ok, nice to know, moving on.

[–] limer@lemmy.ml 83 points 4 days ago (15 children)

There are other studies using humans, see https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events

This sugar substitute is going to be the asbestos of sweeteners in the next few decades. And I find it remarkable it is in so many foods.

[–] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 17 points 4 days ago (11 children)

I took a look at the two most famous colas and two fake colas, and the only sweeteners I was able to find were aspartame, acesulfame K, and sucralose. No sign of erythritol. I wonder if I've ever even seen a beverage with that stuff in it. However, I have seen bags of it sold in supermarkets, so apparently it isn't restricted in that sense.

[–] limer@lemmy.ml 9 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Where I am at (Texas) I find it in many sugar free yoghurts

[–] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I'm beginning to think this must be one of those EU things. I couldn't find a single yogurt like that in my local supermarket.

[–] limer@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 days ago

Reading more of the comments here, from Spain and Denmark, it seems it is in other food items in the EU; perhaps there are better regulations with yogurt?

load more comments (9 replies)
load more comments (12 replies)
load more comments (13 replies)