This Popular Zero-Calorie Sweetener Could Impair Brain Blood Vessel Cells, Study Suggests [Erythritol]

Study Finds ^ | July 15, 2025 | Auburn Berry and Christopher DeSouza (University of Colorado, Boulder)

[kaktuskid]

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol....like maltitol, mannitol, and sorbitol. Those are used in sugar free candies. Have they checked the other sugar alcohols?

[Jane Long]

Isn’t aspartame known to cause brain tumors?

Or, at least that was the buzz several years ago.

[kaktuskid]

Disclaimer: This report summarizes the findings of an in vitro (lab-based) study. The research did not test erythritol’s effects in living humans, so it does not prove that consuming erythritol causes stroke or other health problems. Always consult qualified health professionals for advice about your diet and health choices.

In other words, junk science.

[NorthMountain]

Amazon used to have some wonderful reviews of sugar-free gummi-bears; absolutely hilarious to those of us with a certain sense of humor.

[The Truth Will Make You Free]

I had some Godiva chocolates from Costco that were so bad I had to take them back. They had that stuff in them, and I’ve avoided it ever since.

[HombreSecreto]

Have they checked the other sugar alcohols?

---

Not aware. Perhaps this one is the most competition for the study sponsor’s products, so had to be smeared first?

[Flaming Conservative]

Don’t know. When I was doing keto, I liked to use isomalt, though it’s not nearly as sweet as erythritol. Here’s a little more info:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-sugar-alcohols

[Daveinyork]

Do you tell your wife what to do?

[ScottHammett]

I expect a “new, safe” sweetener soon.

[Enterprise]

"Isn’t aspartame known to cause brain tumors?"

That's a good question Jane.

Aspartame Brain Tumors

The question of whether aspartame causes brain tumors has been the subject of extensive research and debate. Some studies have suggested a potential link, while others have found no significant association. Here is a summary of the key findings:

A 1997 case-control study found no significant association between aspartame consumption and childhood brain tumor risk.

A 2006 study of 285,079 men and 188,905 women in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study found no increased risk of hematopoietic cancers or gliomas (malignant brain cancer) associated with aspartame consumption.

Some animal studies have shown an increased incidence of brain tumors in aspartame-fed rats, but these findings have been inconsistent and have not been replicated in human studies.

A 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen, but noted that the evidence was limited and that intake guidelines remain unchanged.

Overall, the majority of studies have not found a consistent link between aspartame consumption and brain tumor risk. However, the debate continues, and further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks associated with aspartame.

Aspertame

[9422WMR]

It’s an old joke, nothing personal.
And yes, I do tell my wife what to do,
when she is not around…
🤣

[ChessExpert]

I wonder about Stevia.

[Red Badger]

GOOGLE AI Overview

While stevia is generally considered safe and is a popular sugar substitute, some individuals may experience side effects. Common side effects include bloating, nausea, dizziness, and numbness. Rarely, some may experience muscle pain or allergic reactions. Stevia may also cause low blood pressure or interact with certain medications.
Potential Side Effects:
Digestive Issues:
.
Some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or mild stomach upset, particularly if the stevia product contains added sugar alcohols like erythritol.
Low Blood Pressure:
.
Stevia can lower blood pressure, which could be a concern for those already managing low blood pressure or taking medications to lower blood pressure.
Allergic Reactions:
.
While rare, some individuals may be allergic to stevia, especially those with ragweed allergies, as they are from the same plant family.
Other Potential Side Effects:
.
Some studies suggest stevia may have potential links to kidney damage, endocrine disruption, or impacts on gut health, but these are not consistently reported in human trials.
Interactions with Medications:
.
Stevia may interact with medications used to lower blood sugar or blood pressure.
Taste:
.
Stevia’s taste can be off-putting for some, as it has a slightly bitter, licorice-like flavor.
Important Considerations:
Moderation is key:
.
While stevia is considered safe in moderate amounts, excessive consumption may lead to some side effects.
Individual Sensitivity:
.
People may react differently to stevia. If you experience any side effects, consider reducing your intake or consulting with a healthcare professional.
Stevia Products:
.
Some stevia products may contain additives like sugar alcohols or dextrose, which can cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Pregnancy:
.
It’s generally recommended to avoid whole-leaf stevia or crude stevia extract during pregnancy, as there is not enough evidence to confirm their safety.

[ChessExpert]

Thanks.

I use stevia in my coffee in the morning. Truvia has both stevia and erythritol. So, it’s not completely true.

[suthener]

“I think that was what did in Euell Gibbons…”

Obligatory Euell Gibbons joke (must be told at any mention of Euell Gibbons):

Why did Euell Gibbons have blue babies?
Because he had grape nuts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0N290zPrbA

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

There are no shortcuts.