There is no peace for sweeteners (and for those who use them): after the worrying studies on effects of sucralose, it's the turn of another protagonist of flavor. That sweetener in your toothpaste may not be as harmless as you think. New research from the Cleveland Clinic has uncovered a disturbing link between the xylitol, a common sugar substitute, and an increased risk of heart problems.
The study that shakes the sweetener industry
Researchers led by Dr. Stanley Hazen they conducted an in-depth analysis that involves more than 3.000 patients in the United States and Europe. The results, published in the European Heart Journal (I link them to you here), are alarming to say the least: high levels of xylitol in the blood are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Xylitol: not just a sweetener
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol widely used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of products:
- Sugar-free sweets;
- Sugar-free chewing gum;
- Bakery products;
- Toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Its popularity is due to its low calorie content and lower impact on blood sugar compared to traditional sugar. Apparently, however, the qualities hide serious pitfalls.
The details of the study
The analysis revealed that one-third of patients with the highest plasma xylitol levels were significantly more likely to experience a cardiovascular event over three years. But the researchers didn't stop there. To confirm these findings, the team conducted preclinical tests that demonstrated that xylitol can also cause platelet clotting and increase the risk of thrombosis.
In an additional clinical intervention study, researchers monitored platelet activity in people who ingested a xylitol-sweetened beverage versus one sweetened with glucose. The results were unequivocal: every measure of clotting ability increased significantly immediately after xylitol ingestion, but not after glucose.
Implications and cautions
Dr. Hazen emphasizes: “This study once again shows the immediate need to investigate sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended to combat conditions such as obesity or diabetes.
Of course, this doesn't mean you should throw away your toothpaste if it contains xylitol, but we should be aware that consuming a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clotting-related events."
It is important to note that the study has some limitations. Clinical observational studies they demonstrate a certain association, not necessarily causality. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term cardiovascular safety of xylitol.
In summary: xylitol, a call for caution
This study, as I said at the beginning of the article, adds to a growing series of research that calls into question the safety of sugar substitutes. The food and pharmaceutical industries continue to promote these products as healthy alternatives, but science tells us to be more cautious.
The key message is not to completely abandon xylitol or other sweeteners, but to be aware of the potential risks and moderate their consumption. As always, the key is balance and moderation: the distance between sweetness and bitterness may be shorter than we wish.
