What is erythritol and is it safe?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Erythritol is a popular sugar substitute generally recognized as safe, but recent studies have raised concerns about a potential link to cardiovascular problems, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke. While it remains widely used in low-calorie and keto products, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects on heart health.

If you're experiencing symptoms like chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, or unusual fatigue—or simply want clarity about how your diet may be affecting your health—don't guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's going on and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if erythritol is causing symptoms Discover likely causes of your reactions Find out if symptoms need care See OTC options for erythritol discomfort Find a doctor for sugar alcohol issues Understand home remedies for stomach upset Check if erythritol symptoms need urgent care

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Explanation

Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many foods. It's popular because it doesn't add calories like regular sugar. However, some studies have raised concerns about its safety.

Potential Concerns:

Heart Health: One study suggests erythritol might be linked to heart problems, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Safety Testing: Earlier tests showed erythritol didn't cause genetic damage, indicating it's generally safe.

Conclusion: While erythritol is widely used and generally considered safe, it's important to keep an eye on new research to understand its long-term effects better. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms after consuming foods with erythritol, you can check your symptoms with a free online tool to better understand what might be happening.

(References)

Witkowski M, Nemet I, Alamri H, Wilcox J, Gupta N, Nimer N, et al. (2023). The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event .... Nature medicine, 36849732.
Mazi TA, & Stanhope KL. (2023). Erythritol: An In-Depth Discussion of Its Potential to Be .... Nutrients, 36615861.
Chung YS, & Lee M. (2013). Genotoxicity Assessment of Erythritol by Using Short-term .... Toxicological research, 24578795.

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