A sugar alcohol with almost no calories. A 2023 observational study raised questions about clotting risk that are still being investigated.
How it works
Mostly absorbed then excreted unchanged in urine.
Open question
An association between blood erythritol and cardiovascular events was reported; causation is not established and the body also makes erythritol.
Digestion
Sugar alcohols in large amounts can cause bloating or diarrhea.
Evidence & sources
Higher blood erythritol levels were associated with major cardiovascular events in an observational study. Evidence: emerging. Known: Witkowski et al. studied cohorts plus lab platelet experiments. Unknown: Whether dietary erythritol causes events; reverse causation possible. Source: Witkowski et al., Nature Medicine, The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk (2023).