Xylitol Artificial Sweetener Is Linked to Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

While everyone has a different level of sweetness that they prefer, one thing is sure: Humans love sweet. Since the beginning of time, we have enjoyed things that are naturally sweet, like fruits, and in more recent history items such as baked goods, candies, and sugary drinks.

Unfortunately, we also now know that a diet too high in sugar, especially sugar from that second group of sweet foods, can lead to many health problems. For this reason, scientists came up with alternatives: Sugar-free sweeteners that are low in calories and allow us to indulge in our favorite sweet treats without the negative consequences.

Or, at least, that is what we thought. A recently published study shows, yet again, that these sweeteners, particularly Xylitol, pose more risk to our health than otherwise.

Xylitol: The Not-So-Sweet Side

In a recent NIH-funded study conducted by a team led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic, a chilling revelation has been made about the risks associated with certain artificial sweeteners. The study has found a potential link between the consumption of Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. This finding has sent shockwaves through the health and wellness community and raised questions about the safety of commonly used sugar substitutes.

What are Xylitol and Erythritol?

These artificial sweeteners, xylitol and erythritol, belong to a class of compounds called sugar alcohols. They are commonly used as low-calorie sweeteners and sugar substitutes in various food and beverage products. Both xylitol and erythritol are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, with xylitol also being produced in the human body as part of normal metabolism. These sweeteners are used in a wide range of products, including sugar-free gum, candies, mints, toothpaste, and various low-calorie or diabetic-friendly food items.

A History of Controversy

The use of artificial sweeteners has long been a topic of controversy, with previous studies and debates about their potential health impacts. Questions have been raised about the safety and long-term effects of these sweeteners, leading to ongoing scrutiny and research in this area.

This is what lead researchers at the Cleveland Clinic to put xylitol and erythritol under a microscope, to find out if it is truly a better choice than just plain old sugar.