Xylitol and Erythritol are commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic.
Many people use artificial, low-calorie sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake.
It’s found in chewing gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more.
According to a June 2024 study, high levels of xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols, and low-calorie sweeteners used in many foods and products have been associated with an increased risk of a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke and death.
The researchers in this study analyzed how xylitol impacts heart health in over 3,000 U.S. and European patients.
The team of researchers, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic and published in the European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024, showed that having the highest blood levels of xylitol is linked with a 57% increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with lower levels.
The Reason Why Xylitol and Erythritol May Pose a Cardiovascular Risk?
Blood components called platelets help blood to clot. The researchers found that Erythritol and xylitol made platelets more sensitive to blood clotting signals.
Additionally, taking a single 30-gram dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes – this increase can stimulate blood clotting, which is concerning for people with existing heart disease.
These results suggest that consuming Erythritol and xylitol can increase blood clot formation. This, in turn, could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
What Products Commonly Include Erythritol and Xylitol?
- Chewing gum
- Candy
- Ice Cream
- Breath mints
- Some Dietary supplements
- Mouthwash
- Toothpaste
- Sugar-Free Desserts
- Liquid compounded medications
- Commercially produced: Baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gums, chocolates, tabletop sweetener packets, ice cream, puddings, jams and jellies, fruit preparations, biscuits, and sauces
Dr. T’s Comments
For now, I recommend being cautious about using products with xylitol and Erythritol in them, – particularly for those with cardiovascular risk factors.
Although some people will say the research may be flawed, I have to wonder if the people against this new study have an agenda that places the public at risk.
All in all, why take the risk?
I prefer to err on the side of caution and stop consuming food items containing Erythritol and xylitol.
It seems safe to use xylitol and Erythritol in small amounts, typically found in chewing gum, toothpaste, and mouth rinses.
But using it in high and long-term doses isn’t a good idea.
It does not mean throwing out your toothpaste if it contains xylitol, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, I only support organic, 100 percent stevia or monk fruit extracts as the only sweeteners.
Remember to read the labels of the items you eat or drink to find out if xylitol and Erythritol have been added.
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References:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/xylitol-may-affect-cardiovascular-health
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/xylitol-linked-increased-heart-risk-reconsider-sugar-substitutes-rcna155688
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/common-sweetener-linked-potential-cardiovascular-risks
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/06/xylitol-sugar-artificial-sweetener-heart/
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453