The decades-old sweetener erythritol has become increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals. It’s found in numerous products, from sugar-free soda to low-carb ice cream and keto protein bars. However, new research suggests that this sugar substitute comes with serious downsides, impacting brain cells in ways that can boost the risk of stroke.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology has shed light on the potential risks associated with erythritol consumption. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that human cells lining blood vessels in the brain were altered when treated with a serving-size amount of erythritol, similar to what’s found in a typical sugar-free beverage.

The study revealed that the treated cells expressed significantly less nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes and widens blood vessels. This led to increased constriction of blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood to flow freely. Additionally, the cells produced more endothelin-1, a protein that constricts blood vessels even further.

When challenged with a clot-forming compound called thrombin, cellular production of the natural clot-busting compound t-PA was “markedly blunted.” This means that the treated cells were less effective at breaking down blood clots, making it more likely for strokes to occur.

The researchers also observed an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolic byproducts that can age and damage cells and inflame tissue. These findings suggest that erythritol consumption may lead to a higher risk of stroke.

While the study used only a serving-size amount of erythritol, the authors caution that consuming multiple servings per day could have a more significant impact.

To put it into perspective, the researchers note that a recent study involving 4,000 people in the U.S. and Europe found that men and women with higher circulating levels of erythritol were significantly more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within the next three years.

Given these findings, experts recommend that consumers read labels carefully, looking for erythritol or “sugar alcohol” on the label. They also encourage individuals to be mindful of their consumption and consider alternative sweeteners that may be safer.

While this study was conducted in a laboratory setting using cells, further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans. However, experts agree that it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to our health.

The next time you reach for a sugar-free soda or low-carb ice cream, remember: even seemingly healthy ingredients can have hidden dangers.

In recent years, the anti-obesity medication semaglutide has gained popularity for its ability to melt fat effectively. However, a small study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, highlights a concerning side effect of this medication – the potential quiet stripping away of muscle strength, particularly among women and older adults.

Losing muscle mass, also known as lean mass, is a common issue associated with weight loss in adults with obesity. This can have negative consequences on metabolism and bone health. Muscle plays an essential role in controlling blood sugar levels after meals and keeping bones strong. Approximately 40% of the weight lost from taking semaglutide comes from lean mass, including muscle.

The researchers conducted a three-month study involving 40 adults with obesity, divided into two groups: those prescribed semaglutide and those following a diet and lifestyle program called Healthy Habits for Life (HHL). The results showed that participants who took semaglutide lost more weight than those in the HHL group. However, the percentage of weight loss attributed to lean mass was similar between the two groups.

Further analysis revealed that being older, female, or consuming less protein was linked to greater muscle loss among participants taking semaglutide. Moreover, losing more muscle was associated with less improvement in blood sugar control (HbA1c levels).

Study lead researcher Melanie Haines emphasized the importance of preserving muscle during weight loss with semaglutide to reduce insulin resistance and prevent frailty in people with obesity. She also highlighted that higher protein intake may help mitigate muscle loss in these patients.

In conclusion, while semaglutide is an effective medication for weight loss, it’s essential to be aware of its potential side effects, particularly among vulnerable populations like women and older adults. By understanding the importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss and incorporating higher protein intake into their diet, individuals can maximize the benefits of this medication and achieve a healthier, more sustainable weight loss outcome.

The study, presented at ENDO 2025 in San Francisco, California, compared three dietary interventions for managing type 2 diabetes with obesity. Researchers found that intermittent energy restriction (IER), also known as fasting twice a week, showed greater advantages in reducing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering triglycerides.

For the study, 90 patients were randomly assigned to either IER, time-restricted eating (TRE), or continuous energy restriction (CER) for 16 weeks. While there were no significant differences in HbA1c reduction and weight loss between the three groups, the IER group experienced a greater absolute decrease in blood sugar levels and body weight.

The study’s lead researcher, Haohao Zhang, Ph.D., highlighted the importance of this research, stating that it fills a gap in directly comparing 5:2 intermittent energy restriction with a 10-hour time-restricted eating. The findings provide scientific evidence for clinicians to choose appropriate dietary strategies when treating patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Interestingly, the IER group had the highest adherence rate at 85%, followed by the CER group at 84% and the TRE group at 78%. This suggests that fasting twice a week may be more feasible and effective for people managing type 2 diabetes.

The study’s results have significant implications for the management of type 2 diabetes, particularly in relation to dietary interventions. As researchers continue to explore the benefits and limitations of different diets, healthcare professionals can rely on evidence-based information to guide their recommendations.