Xylitol sweetener linked to increased cardiovascular risk

xylitol cardiovascular risk stroke heart attack sugar substitute

New research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich suggests a link between the sweetener xylitol and increased cardiovascular risks. Xylitol is a common sugar substitute used in products such as chewing gum, toothpaste, jams, and yogurt.

Analyzing data from 17,710 participants across the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and the UK-based EPIC-Norfolk study, researchers found that individuals with the highest blood xylitol levels faced a 57% higher risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, or death within a six-year period. In the long-term EPIC-Norfolk study, the risk remained 18% higher after 30 years.

Dr. Marco Witkowski noted that previous research indicated xylitol might increase platelet clotting activity. While the study shows a strong association, experts emphasize it is observational and does not prove that xylitol directly causes these medical emergencies. Further studies are required to establish causality. Health professionals continue to recommend a balanced diet and limited intake of processed foods.

Entities

Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging · Charité University Hospital · Dr. Marco Witkowski · EPIC-Norfolk · European Society of Cardiology · Marco Witkowski · Marko Vitkovski · Munich · Xylitol · Xylitol

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 18 SOURCES] The association between xylitol and cardiovascular risk was independent of age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, and lipid levels. bosnainfo.ba · makpress.mk · www.singtaousa.com · libertas.mk · lokalno.mk · +13 more
[● 24 SOURCES] The study analyzed data from 17,710 individuals. bosnainfo.ba · makpress.mk · www.singtaousa.com · libertas.mk · lokalno.mk · +19 more
[● 21 SOURCES] Participants with the highest blood xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of death, heart attack, or stroke within six years. bosnainfo.ba · makpress.mk · www.singtaousa.com · libertas.mk · lokalno.mk · +16 more
[● 18 SOURCES] Xylitol can enhance the ability of platelets to form blood clots. bosnainfo.ba · makpress.mk · www.singtaousa.com · libertas.mk · lokalno.mk · +13 more
[● 19 SOURCES] The higher risk of cardiovascular events remained 18% higher even after 30 years of follow-up. www.singtaousa.com · lokalno.mk · rocketnews.com · www.index.hr · bosnainfo.ba · +14 more
[● 19 SOURCES] Cardiovascular risk showed a dose-dependent relationship with blood xylitol levels. www.singtaousa.com · lokalno.mk · rocketnews.com · www.index.hr · bosnainfo.ba · +14 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Dr. Marco Witkowski stated that artificial sweeteners are often consumed by individuals who believe they are healthier alternatives to sugar. rocketnews.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · www.index.hr · www.independent.co.uk · lokalno.mk · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] In a Canadian cohort, participants with the highest blood xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of major cardiovascular events or death within six years compared to those with the lowest levels. www.bolnews.com · www.e-sante.fr · science.slashdot.org
[● 2 SOURCES] The data suggests a dose-related pattern where higher blood xylitol levels correlate with higher rates of cardiovascular events. www.bolnews.com · science.slashdot.org
[● 3 SOURCES] The study is observational and cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between xylitol consumption and cardiovascular disease. www.bolnews.com · www.gazetakosova.net · www.e-sante.fr
[● 3 SOURCES] High blood levels of xylitol are associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and death. www.bolnews.com · www.e-sante.fr · science.slashdot.org
[● 2 SOURCES] In the EPIC-Norfolk study, participants with high xylitol levels showed an 18% higher risk of cardiovascular events over a thirty-year period. www.e-sante.fr · science.slashdot.org