Xylitol Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Events, Study Finds
A new study suggests a potential link between the popular sugar alcohol xylitol and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
The widely used sugar alcohol xylitol may be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, according to new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress.
Xylitol, found in sugar-free foods, chewing gum, and toothpaste, is often marketed as a healthier alternative due to its zero sugar and low calorie content.
The study, involving over 17,700 participants from Canadian and European cohorts, analyzed blood levels of xylitol. Researchers found that individuals with the highest concentrations of the sweetener in their blood experienced significantly more adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, or death, compared to those with lower levels.
Over a six-year follow-up period, the risk of these events was 57% higher in the group with the highest xylitol levels compared to the group with the lowest levels, even after accounting for established cardiovascular risk factors. Previous research by the study authors had also indicated that xylitol can enhance platelet function, potentially increasing the risk of blood clot formation.
These findings raise concerns about the long-term cardiovascular safety of xylitol, a common ingredient in many sugar-free products, and warrant further investigation into its effects on heart health.