New Research Demonstrates Association Between Xylitol and Cardiovascular Events

While research has long shown that the sweetener xylitol offers protection against dental caries, new data demonstrate that it may raise the risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers at Charit University Hospital in Berlin, Germany, looked at the health records of 17,000 patients. Among individuals with higher blood levels of xylitol, the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, was also elevated.

The observational study is not designed to prove causality, but the researchers suggest that more study is needed to see if such a link truly exists, especially as the use of artificial sweeteners continues to rise across the globe. The two surveys studied showed that those with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood were at a 57% risk for experiencing a cardiovascular episode after 6 years of monitoring. After 30 years, the risk had dropped to 18%.

Xylitol is technically not “artificial,” as it is found naturally in fruit and vegetables and is manufactured from birch trees; however, the amount of xylitol used in foods, beverages, and dental products is much higher than what occurs naturally. The sugar alcohol provides significant oral health benefits by decreasing the amount of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and increases salivary flow. Xylitol is found in a wide range of oral health products from chewing gum to mouthrinse to toothpaste. Click here to read more.
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