
In our efforts to adopt a healthy lifestyle, we often use sugar-free drinks, chewing gum, and toothpaste. Many of these products contain a sweetener called xylitol. Xylitol is often marketed as “low-carb,” “natural,” and “keto-friendly.” However, recent research has shown that this sweetener may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
People with higher levels of xylitol in their blood were more likely to experience heart attacks or strokes over the next three years, and lab experiments suggest that the sweetener increases blood clotting.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in small amounts in fruits and vegetables — nearly 1000 times less than the amount added to commercial products. It can also be artificially produced from plant-derived materials through chemical processes.
Dr. Stanley Hazen and his team at the Cleveland Clinic conducted research to understand how xylitol may affect heart health. They studied 3,306 adults from the U.S. and Europe, analyzing their blood samples to measure xylitol levels. Over a three-year follow-up period, those with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood showed a greater incidence of heart-related events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers also studied the effects of xylitol on human blood cells (platelets) and mice in the lab. Platelets normally clump at injury sites to stop bleeding, but they can also form clots inside blood vessels, disrupting blood flow to the heart and brain. The study found that exposure to xylitol made platelets more prone to clumping. In mice, xylitol injections quickly led to increased blood clotting in their veins.
In a human study, 10 participants were given water mixed with xylitol. Within 30 minutes, their blood plasma showed a 1000-fold increase in xylitol levels, and all markers indicating platelet clotting rose, especially in those with the highest xylitol concentrations.
According to Hazen, this study makes it clear that we need to pay urgent attention to the cardiovascular risks of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. This doesn’t mean you need to throw away your toothpaste if it contains xylitol, but it’s important to be cautious with products that contain higher amounts.
Given the findings, Sylvia Redenkovic from the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands stated that the study highlights the need for systematic research into the cardiovascular risks of artificial sweeteners.
It is important to stay mindful of our health and make informed choices about the products we consume. Considering the potential risks associated with xylitol, we should try to moderate our intake through foods and beverages. This could help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes and take us a step closer to a healthier lifestyle.