What are the side effects of consuming erythritol?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Erythritol is a sugar substitute that may trigger digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and stomach upset. Recent research has also linked erythritol consumption to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, along with other potential health concerns.

If you're experiencing symptoms you suspect may be related to erythritol or another underlying cause, don't guess—get clarity. Understanding what's happening in your body is the first step toward feeling better and knowing when to seek care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to identify possible causes and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if erythritol causes your symptoms Discover what’s causing your digestive issues Find out if symptoms need care See OTC relief for stomach upset Find a specialist for digestive symptoms Explore home remedies for stomach discomfort Understand if it could be serious

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Explanation

Erythritol is a sugar substitute used in many foods. Some people may experience stomach issues like gas and bloating after consuming it. According to recent studies, there are concerns that erythritol might be linked to higher risks of heart problems.

Stomach Issues: Many people experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea when they consume too much erythritol. This is because it is not fully absorbed in the body and can ferment in the gut.
Heart Health Concerns: Some studies have suggested that erythritol might be linked to an increased risk of heart-related events. This means it might affect the heart in ways that could be harmful over time.
Long-term Effects: Research in animals has shown that erythritol does not seem to cause cancer. However, more studies are needed to understand its long-term effects on humans.

While erythritol is generally considered safe, it's important to consume it in moderation and be aware of how your body reacts to it. If you're experiencing unexplained digestive issues, heart palpitations, or other concerning symptoms, you can check your symptoms with a free AI-powered assessment or consult with a healthcare professional.

(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.
Lim J, Hong HG, Huang J, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, Mondul AM, Weinstein SJ, & Albanes D. (2024). Serum Erythritol and Risk of Overall and Cause-Specific .... Nutrients, 39339699.
Lina BA, Bos-Kuijpers MH, Til HP, & Bär A. (1996). Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity study of erythritol in rats. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, 8933643.

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