Erythritol vs Ascorbic Acid: which is worse?

What is Erythritol?

Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol naturally occurring in small amounts in fruits, fermented foods, and mushrooms. Commercially produced via fermentation of glucose by yeasts such as Moniliella pollinis, it has approximately 70% of sucrose's sweetness, provides 0.24 kcal/g, and has a glycemic index of 0. It is nearly completely absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in urine, which explains its unusually low laxative effect compared to other polyols.

What is Ascorbic Acid?

Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C, an essential water-soluble vitamin found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. As a food additive (E300), it functions as an antioxidant preservative, preventing oxidative browning and rancidity. Commercial ascorbic acid is produced by fermentation of glucose, most commonly from corn.

Documented risks

Erythritol: A 2023 observational study published in Nature Medicine (Hazen et al., Cleveland Clinic) found that elevated blood erythritol levels were associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including heart attack and stroke. Additionally, erythritol was found to enhance platelet aggregation in vitro. This study was widely reported and has generated significant scientific debate; critics note that it was observational (not causational), and that the study population had pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. Regulatory agencies have not changed their approval status. The long-term cardiovascular implications require further research.

Ascorbic Acid: Generally recognized as safe. Note: when ascorbic acid is combined with sodium benzoate or benzoic acid in acidic beverages, benzene can form — a Class 1 carcinogen. This combination should be avoided in formulations. As a standalone additive, ascorbic acid is not only safe but nutritionally beneficial. Very high supplemental doses (>2 g/day) can cause diarrhea and kidney stone risk in predisposed individuals.