A COMMON sweetener found in candy, gum and toothpaste has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Consuming greater amounts of foods and products containing xylitol may increase the risk of cardiovascular events caused by blood clots, Cleveland Clinic researchers said.
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The common sugar substitute is known as sugar alcohol, as it combines characteristics of sugar molecules and alcohol molecules.
It’s often used in sugar-free candy, gum, cakes, and cookies, and even added to products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
It is 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 to investigate sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended in combating conditions such as obesity or diabetes.
“This does not mean throwing away toothpaste if it contains xylitol, but we should be aware that consuming a product containing high levels may increase the risk of events related to blood clots.”
The research team recently discovered a similar link between erythritol – a chemical used in some energy drinks like Monster Ultra – and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
His most recent study – published in he European Heart Journal – analyzed data from more than 3,000 patients in the US and Europe.
High levels of xylitol were found to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events over a three-year period.
One-third of patients with the highest amount of xylitol in their blood plasma were more likely to suffer a cardiovascular event.
To confirm their findings, the research team performed preclinical tests and discovered that xylitol caused blood platelets to clot and increased the risk of blood clots.
The researchers also tracked platelet activity in people who drank a drink sweetened with xylitol and compared it with people who drank a drink sweetened with glucose.
They found that clotting capacity increased significantly immediately after consuming xylitol, but not glucose.
Researchers conducted further studies to evaluate whether it is safe for cardiovascular health to consume xylitol long-term.
They 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 sweetener that caused these health events.
They recommend talking to your doctor or certified nutritionist to learn more about healthy food choices and for personalized recommendations.
The decision comes after research found that the artificial sweetener neotame – found in cakes, drinks and chewing gum – can damage the intestine 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 Organization says.
It warned in 2023 that aspartame, which is also found in chewing gum and yogurt, is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
The decision was based on three studies that suggested that aspartame is associated with a higher rate of liver cancer.
Dr Francesco Branca from the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety encouraged people to limit sugary products if possible.
He said: “There are alternatives that do not contain sugars or free sweeteners and these should be preferred.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
