Popular sweetener xylitol linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds

Xylitol, a widely used sugar substitute found in products ranging from sugar-free gum and toothpaste to jams and ice cream, is now linked to a heightened risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death. A comprehensive study, analyzing data from over 17,710 participants, revealed a significant correlation between elevated blood xylitol levels and the occurrence of these health issues.

The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress, found that individuals with the highest concentrations of xylitol in their blood faced a 57% greater risk of death, heart attack, or stroke compared to those with the lowest levels over a six-year period. This association persisted even over longer durations, with those in the highest xylitol group showing an 18% increased likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event after 30 years.

Scientists emphasized that the observed link between higher xylitol levels and cardiovascular problems remained consistent across various participant demographics and health factors. The correlation held true regardless of age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, or cholesterol levels, suggesting a potentially direct biological mechanism at play.

Dr. Marco Witkowski, the study's lead author from Charité University Hospital in Berlin, noted that these findings expand upon earlier research. Previous studies had already indicated that xylitol could enhance the blood's clotting ability. While this latest study does not definitively prove causation, it strongly suggests that xylitol consumption warrants further investigation due to its potential impact on cardiovascular health.

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In previous studies, we showed that xylitol can increase the ability of platelets to form clots.