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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.

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[-] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 138 points 1 week ago

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 79 points 1 week ago

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 18 points 1 week ago

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 1 week ago

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

[-] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 4 points 1 week ago

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 1 week 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?

[-] BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today 7 points 1 week ago

I don't consume many sugar-free products, except Coke Zero Sugar. Not Coke Zero, but Coke Zero SUGAR. They are two separate products (which taste significantly different), and even servers in restaurants often don't know the difference. They've got to be phasing out the Zero in favor of the Zero SUGAR, became ZS tastes far better.

Anyhoo, I've been wondering about the artificial sweetener they must be using for them, and now I'm wondering if it's this stuff. Your post seems to indicate that I'm in the clear.

[-] kadup@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

No sign of erythritol.

It's significantly more common in baked goods (because it's stable under oven temperatures) and extremely more common in "fitness" branded alternatives like low calorie yogurt, low calorie peanut butter, and so on.

[-] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 2 points 1 week ago

aspartame

ethrthiol isnt that common, its more associated with stevia substitute, it has well known side effects of causing GI problems in sensitive people.(might be useful for constipate dpeople.)

this post was submitted on 25 Jul 2025
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