A popular sugar substitute can impair cellular functions vital for brain blood vessel health, new evidence has demonstrated.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder have found that erythritol raises vasoconstrictive peptide production, increases oxidative stress, disrupts nitric oxide signalling and diminishes clot-dissolving capacity in human brain microvascular endothelial cells.
Commonly found in low-calorie beverages, diabetic-friendly baked goods and protein bars, erythritol is popular because of its sweetness-to-calorie ratio and its negligible effect on blood glucose.
Via the pentose phosphate pathway, erythritol is also synthesised endogenously from glucose fructose.
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Prior studies have revealed that a higher intake of erythritol can trigger the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, sparking concern about the safety of the major sugar substitute.
However, previous research has also shown the positive impact of erythritol on reducing the incidence of heart attack and stroke.
Access the study in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
