#Erythritol

A growing body of research is raising questions about erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in many “no sugar added” and sugar-free products. New laboratory findings suggest potential effects on brain cells and vascular function, prompting calls for more comprehensive human studies. The study’s authors emphasize that results come from lab models and may not reflect real-world outcomes, but they align with earlier observations linking higher erythritol levels to increased cardiovascular risk in some population studies.

A widely used sugar substitute, erythritol, commonly recommended for people with obesity or diabetes and found in an array of “sugar-free” products, is at the center of fresh health warnings after recent research linked it to damaging effects on brain cells and an increased risk of stroke SciTechDaily.

This finding, from a new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, raises important questions for Thai consumers who increasingly turn to artificial sweeteners in their efforts to manage weight, diabetes, and blood sugar—problems that are highly prevalent in Thailand and have changed consumption habits nationwide. As health-conscious lifestyles prompt a shift toward “no sugar” or “sugar-free” foods, the safety of these sugar alternatives is becoming a matter of significant public interest.

A ubiquitous sugar substitute found in Thai supermarkets, bakeries, bubble tea shops, and increasingly in “health” products, erythritol, has emerged as a fresh concern for heart health. Recent scientific studies—including a major investigation led by the University of Colorado Boulder—reveal that consuming even a typical serving of erythritol may rapidly trigger changes in blood vessels and platelets that set the stage for heart attack and stroke. With sugar-free and “keto” diets growing in popularity across Thailand, these findings carry weighty implications for millions of Thai consumers who have long considered erythritol as a harmless alternative to sugar.

A familiar sugar substitute found across Thai supermarkets, bakeries, and bubble tea shops is drawing renewed scrutiny. Erythritol, popular in sugar-free and “health” products, may trigger immediate changes in blood vessels and platelets that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. With many Thais turning to sugar-free and keto options, these findings carry significant implications for millions who view erythritol as harmless.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol produced by fermenting corn or wheat starch. It is marketed as a natural, low-calorie option suitable for people with diabetes or those following low-carb regimens. Regulators in the United States and Southeast Asia have approved its use, helping it become widespread in beverages, snacks, toothpaste, and personal care items. Unlike some sugar alcohols, it typically causes little digestive upset, which adds to its popularity.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit has reignited concerns over the safety of artificial sweeteners—specifically erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in countless sugar-free and “diet” products worldwide. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that heighten the risk of stroke and heart attack—an alarming development for consumers and health officials alike as the use of sugar substitutes remains widespread, including in Thailand’s urban and health-conscious communities.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit raises fresh questions about the safety of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free and “diet” products. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, a finding that matters to Thai readers amid widespread use of sugar substitutes in beverages, snacks, and personal care products.

In Thailand, awareness of sugar’s link to obesity and diabetes has driven demand for sugar-free options. Erythritol has been promoted for its low calorie count and minimal impact on blood sugar, making it a common choice for people managing diabetes or reducing sugar intake. The latest findings challenge the assumption that erythritol is risk-free, highlighting the public health relevance for Thai consumers and health authorities alike.