This Low-Calorie Sweetener Might Be Nearly Doubling Your Chances Of A Heart Attack Or Stroke, New Study Warns: Xylitol

Many people turn to low-calorie sweeteners over sugar in their quest for weight loss or better blood sugar management . However, it’s crucial to be aware that these alternatives can carry risks. A new study led by Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., at Cleveland Clinic, has raised concerns about the sugar alcohol xylitol, linking its consumption to a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Find all the details on this enlightening new research below.

Xylitol Linked to Cardiovascular Events

A recent study at Cleveland Clinic analyzed over 3,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe over three years, revealing that those with the highest levels of xylitol in their plasma had a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. In fact, the risk was nearly double the risk of those with the lowest levels of xylitol.

"This study again shows the immediate need for investigating sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended in combatting 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," Dr. Hazen, Chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute and Co-Section Head of Preventive Cardiology in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, emphasized.

Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in products like sugar-free gum, toothpaste, and various diet foods, is often marketed for its health benefits, such as being lower in calories than sugar and having minimal impact on blood sugar levels. However, the new study's findings are alarming.

"We gave healthy volunteers a typical drink with xylitol to see how high the levels would get and they went up 1,000-fold," Dr. Hazen told CNN . "When you eat sugar, your glucose level may go up 10% or 20% but it doesn’t go up a 1,000-fold. Humankind has not experienced levels of xylitol this high except within the last couple of decades when we began ingesting completely contrived and sugar-substituted processed foods."

Pre-clinical testing also showed that xylitol causes platelets to clot, with xylitol-sweetened drinks being more closely linked to platelet clotting than glucose-sweetened drinks. This suggests a potential mechanism by which xylitol could increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Further research is needed to understand the full implications, and it's important to recognize that this study does not definitively prove that xylitol is a direct cause of heart attacks or strokes.

In addition to xylitol, other artificial sweeteners have come under scrutiny in recent years. Research has suggested links between certain sweeteners, such as aspartame, which was found to be a possible carcinogen , and various health issues ranging from metabolic disorders to an increased risk of certain cancers. These findings further underscore the importance of evaluating the long-term health effects of these sugar alternatives.

For those looking to manage their sugar intake without compromising their health, several natural sweeteners offer a safer alternative. Options like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol (another sugar alcohol that has not shown the same risks as xylitol) can provide sweetness without the adverse effects associated with some artificial sweeteners. Additionally, using small amounts of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be a healthier way to satisfy sweet cravings.

Ultimately, while low-calorie sweeteners can be a useful tool for weight management and blood sugar control, it is crucial to remain informed about their potential risks. Choosing natural alternatives and maintaining a balanced diet are key steps towards ensuring long-term health and well-being.

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