is that ‘healthy’ sweetener safe?

Hey,

If you’ve been reaching for sugar-free drinks or snacks thinking they’re a safer choice, here’s something you might want to know.

A new peer-reviewed study has revealed that erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute, may impair vascular and neurological function, even after just one serving.

In this edition:

• How erythritol may disrupt blood vessel and brain cell health

• 10k Step Challenge

• Personalised Diet coaching

• Recipe of the Week

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that naturally occurs in small amounts in fruits but is produced commercially through the fermentation of glucose by yeast for use in food products.

It's nearly non-caloric, doesn’t spike blood sugar, and has been approved for use by the FDA since 2001.

It’s especially popular in “keto,” “low-carb,” and diabetic-friendly items from protein bars and energy drinks to chewing gum and toothpaste.

For years, it’s been marketed as a safe alternative to sugar, but emerging evidence is raising serious questions.

What did the new research find?

In a controlled lab study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder, researchers exposed human cerebral endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels in the brain, to a typical serving of erythritol (30g, roughly the amount in one sugar-free drink).

These cellular responses mimic the early pathology seen in conditions like atherosclerosis, stroke, and cognitive decline.

It’s important to note that the cerebral microvasculature is particularly vulnerable due to its delicate structure and role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier.

The Bigger Health Picture

While this study was done in a lab, it supports earlier research, like a 2023 Nature Medicine study, which found that people with higher erythritol levels in their blood had a greater risk of stroke and heart attack.

Experts believe erythritol might quietly damage blood vessels over time, without clear symptoms. Since brain and heart health are closely connected, this could affect memory, ageing, and long-term wellbeing.

So what are your options?

You don’t need to panic, but you do need to be mindful.

A smarter approach to “healthy eating”

Choosing health isn’t about fear, it’s about informed flexibility. No food decision exists in a vacuum, and emerging science is constantly updating what we know.

Erythritol may not be the harmless hack you once thought.

But understanding its impact and knowing alternatives can help you make smarter choices for your heart, brain, and overall vitality.

You deserve to feel good

and

informed.

Small steps, big wins!

We’re spotlighting the amazing women smashing their 10K daily step goals.

Join the challenge through the community, get moving, and get featured.

Your journey could inspire someone else.

Your Health, Your Way: 1:1 Coaching with Experts

Struggling with where to begin, what to eat, or how to make progress with your health goals?

Our Private Diet Coaching program is built for real life, your body, your hormones, and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re dealing with weight gain, hormonal issues, or just feel stuck, we create a personalised plan and toolkit that works for you, not against you.

This is for you if you’re ready to feel stronger, lighter, and more in control, with someone guiding you every step of the way.

You've got this. Just remember it is one step at a time.

Join our WhatsApp Community to stay motivated and find an awesome community of women!

Let’s make healthier dietary choices. 💪

This month, we’re focusing on hormonal balance - from period issues to mood swings to energy dips.

Join the convo, get daily tips, and learn how to support your body better.

With love,

Simrun