The recent Neuroscience News article about erythritol has raised concerns among consumers of this popular sweetener. However, before making dietary changes based on one preliminary study, it's important to examine the full body of research on erythritol and put these findings in proper context.
Analyzing the News Article Claims
The Neuroscience News article from April 2025 reports that erythritol "may impair blood vessel health" based on a study where researchers treated human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells with the sweetener. According to the report, the cells exposed to erythritol showed:
- Increased oxidative stress
- Reduced nitric oxide production
- Potential impairment of blood flow
However, there are several reasons to approach these findings with caution:
- The study has not been peer-reviewed or published in a journal yet
- It was presented at a conference (2025 American Physiology Summit)
- The research involved isolated cells in a laboratory setting, not human clinical trials
- The article uses qualifying language like "may," "potentially," and "more research is needed"
The Broader Research on Erythritol
Contrary to this single preliminary study, a comprehensive systematic review by Davina Calbraith (2023) examined 256 research papers on erythritol's effects on the body and found quite different results:
Safety Profile
- Multiple regulatory bodies, including the WHO/FAO Expert Committee, have confirmed erythritol's safety
- Safe consumption levels are established at 0.66g/kg bodyweight for adult males and children over 4, and 0.8g/kg for adult females
- Acceptable daily thresholds are around 20g for children and 25-30g for adults
Body Systems Impact
This review found that erythritol has numerous beneficial effects across multiple body systems when consumed within recommended amounts:
Gastrointestinal System:
- Less GI disturbance than sucrose or other polyols
- Enhanced gut epithelium function
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Does not ferment in the mouth or get absorbed in the stomach
Cardiovascular System:
- Multiple studies showed improved endothelial function
- Reduced aortic stiffness
- Improved BP homeostasis
Endocrine System:
- Low blood glucose response
- Enhanced insulin secretion
- Improved muscle glucose uptake
Dental Health:
- Less biofilm formation
- Improved clinical outcomes
- Anti-bacterial effects
The review specifically noted that "No disadvantages of Erythritol were found providing thresholds were not exceeded."
Individual Variations
One important finding from this systematic review is that erythritol's effects can vary based on individual factors:
- Different responses in diabetic vs. non-diabetic individuals
- Differences between early-stage and late-stage diabetics
- Different effects in obese vs. lean individuals
- Varied absorption between solid foods vs. liquids
Key Takeaways for Consumers
- Context matters: The recent news story is based on preliminary research that has not been peer-reviewed and only involved cell cultures, not human subjects.
- Established safety: Comprehensive reviews of hundreds of studies have established erythritol's safety at typical consumption levels.
- Individual differences: How your body processes erythritol depends on your metabolic health, whether you're consuming it in food or drink, and other individual factors.
- Moderation is key: Following established guidelines of 0.66-0.8g/kg bodyweight keeps consumption well within safe levels.
- The science continues: While the preliminary study suggests potential mechanisms that deserve further investigation, it doesn't overturn the existing body of evidence supporting erythritol's safety.
Conclusion
The alarmist headline from Neuroscience News doesn't align with the broader scientific consensus on erythritol. While all sweeteners deserve ongoing research, the current body of evidence suggests erythritol remains one of the better-studied and safer sugar alternatives available when consumed in appropriate amounts.
Our advice at ZUKR will always be, to use ZUKR or any other sugar alternative as a means to reduce sugar, reduce the cravings for sugar and eventually to be sugar-free and even ZUKR-free. That's our goal!
Always consult healthcare professionals regarding dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Sources:
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Calbraith, D. (2023). Empirical Facts About Erythritol’s Effects on Whole Body Systems. International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 06(01), 39–48. DOI link
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Neuroscience News. (2025). Sugar Substitute May Harm Brain, Blood Vessel Health. Original Article