A COMMON sweetener found in sweets, gum and toothpaste has been linked to a increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Consuming higher amounts of foods and products containing xylitol could up your risk of cardiovascular events caused by blood clots, Cleveland Clinic researchers said.
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The common sugar substitute is referred to as a sugar alcohol as it combines traits of sugar molecules and alcohol molecules.
It’s often used in sugar-free sweets, gums, cakes and biscuits, and even added to products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
It’s also contained in some peanut butters.
Dr Hazen, Chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, said: “This study shows the immediate need for investigating sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended in combating conditions like obesity or diabetes.
“It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot related events.”
The research team recently found a similar link between found between erythritol — a chemical used in some energy drinks like Monster Ultra — and higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Their most recent study – published in he European Heart Journal – analysed data on more than 3,000 patients in the US and Europe.
It found that high levels of xylitol were linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events over a three year period.
A third of patients with the highest amount of xylitol in their blood plasma were more likely to experience a cardiovascular event.
To confirm their findings, the research team conducted pre-clinical testing and found that xylitol caused blood platelets to clot and heightened the risk of blood clots.
Researchers also tracked platelet activity in people who drank a xylitol-sweetened drink and compared it to people who chugged a glucose-sweetened drink.
They found that clotting ability significantly increased immediately after consuming xylitol, but not glucose.
Researchers said further studies to assess whether it’s safe for cardiovascular health to consume xylitol long-term.
They also also noted that the study had several limitations – for example, they could only confirm a link between xylitol and heart attacks and strokes, not the the sweetener caused these health events.
They recommend talking to your doctor or a certified dietitian to learn more about healthy food choices and for personalised recommendations.
It comes after research found that the artificial sweetener neotame – found in cakes, drinks and chewing gum – could damage the gut and cause serious illness.
According to the NHS, sweeteners approved for use in the UK include:
- acesulfame K (E950)
- aspartame (E951)
- erythritol (E968)
- saccharin (E954)
- sorbitol (E420)
- steviol glycosides (E960)
- sucralose (E955)
- xylitol (E967)
SWEETENER LINKED TO CANCER
A COMMON sweetener used in Diet Coke is linked to cancer, the World Health Organisation says.
It warned in 2023 that aspartame, which is also found in chewing gums and yoghurts, is “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
The decision was based on three studies that suggested aspartame is associated with a higher rate of liver cancer.
Dr Francesco Branca, of the WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, encouraged people to limit sweetened products if possible.
He said: “There are alternatives that do not contain either free sugars or sweeteners and those should be preferred.”