Study Links High Blood Xylitol Levels to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
Researchers presented data at the European Society of Cardiology meeting showing that elevated xylitol concentrations in the blood were associated with a 57% higher risk of cardiovascular events over six years.
A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting found that participants with high blood levels of xylitol, a sugar-alcohol sweetener used in many diet products, faced a 57% greater risk of heart attack or stroke over the next six years compared with those with low levels. The research was led by Dr. Marco Witkowski, a senior cardiology consultant at Charité University Hospital in Berlin.
Xylitol, which provides about 60% of the calories of table sugar, is common in sugar-free gum, mints, toothpaste, certain beverages, yogurts and other low-calorie foods. While it is approved as safe and praised by dental professionals for its anti-cavity properties, the new findings suggest a possible link to cardiovascular risk.
The investigators measured blood concentrations of xylitol and erythritol in more than 1,100 individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk and observed a correlation with subsequent heart attacks and strokes. In a separate human-challenge trial, ten volunteers consumed 30 g of xylitol – roughly the amount in a can of fizzy drink – and showed increased platelet activity, which could promote clot formation.
Some scientists caution that high xylitol levels may simply reflect excessive sugar intake or underlying metabolic conditions such as pre-diabetes, rather than the sweetener itself. Prof. Bettina Wölnerhanssen of the University of Basel noted that larger studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship.
Prof. Jürg Beer of the University of Zurich’s Centre of Molecular Cardiology emphasized that people with chronic conditions—pre-diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, prior heart attacks or liver disease—might be more vulnerable and should consider limiting intake of xylitol-containing products. He advised that occasional consumption is unlikely to be harmful, but regular use of multiple xylitol-sweetened drinks could merit reduction.
The researchers concluded that the cardiovascular safety of sugar-alcohol sweeteners warrants further investigation, especially for high-risk groups.