A common sweetener used in products including chewing gum, toothpaste, jam, yoghurt and ice cream has been associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and other major cardiovascular events, according to new research.
The sweetener, xylitol, is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in small quantities in some foods but is also added in much larger amounts to sugar-free and reduced-sugar products.
Dosage connection
Researchers analysed data from 17,710 people and compared those with the highest blood concentrations of xylitol with those who had the lowest levels. Over a six-year period, the group with the highest levels was 57% more likely to experience a major cardiovascular event, including a heart attack or stroke, or die.
The association remained when researchers looked at a much longer follow-up period. After 30 years, people with the highest xylitol levels were still 18% more likely to have experienced a major cardiovascular event than those with the lowest levels.
The researchers also reported a dose-related pattern, with cardiovascular events becoming more common as xylitol levels increased.
Popular ingredient
The findings build on earlier research suggesting that xylitol may affect the way platelets behave and could increase their tendency to form blood clots.
However, experts have stressed that the latest research does not prove that xylitol causes heart attacks or strokes. Because it is an observational study, it can identify an association but cannot establish cause and effect.
Researchers say more work is needed to understand the potential long-term cardiovascular effects of xylitol, particularly as the sweetener is increasingly used in food, drinks and oral-care products.
Experts also caution against interpreting the findings as a reason to replace xylitol-containing products with sugary alternatives. Instead, they recommend limiting highly processed foods and maintaining an overall balanced diet.
Source: CNA
