Common sugar substitute may contribute to higher risk of vascular scares like stroke, study finds
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Low-calorie sweetener may increase risk of stroke
- A new study suggests that erythritol, a common sugar substitute, may increase the risk of vascular health issues like stroke.
- Researchers found that exposure to erythritol levels comparable to those in a single energy drink increased oxidative stress and disrupted nitric oxide production in brain blood vessel cells.
- Oxidative stress can damage cells, while nitric oxide is crucial for blood vessel dilation and healthy blood flow.
- This research challenges the perception of erythritol as a harmless sugar substitute and highlights the need for moderation, especially for individuals with vascular disease risk factors, a scientist says.
- The study's abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit and will be published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.