# Xylitol consumption and cardiovascular risk research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260906-xylitol-consumption-and-cardiovascular-risk-research > Updated: 2026-09-06T06:15:01.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. Research presented at the ESC Congress in Munich has identified a correlation between the consumption of the sugar substitute xylitol and an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death. Observational studies involving 17,710 participants from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and the European EPIC-Norfolk study suggest that higher blood levels of xylitol may be linked to elevated risks. In the Canadian cohort, those with the highest consumption showed a 57% higher risk of heart attack or stroke after six years, while the United Kingdom cohort showed an 18% risk increase after 30 years. Researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin noted that xylitol may increase blood platelet clotting ability. While the findings show a significant correlation after adjusting for factors such as age, BMI, and diabetes, experts emphasized that the study is observational and does not prove direct causation. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Xylitol consumption linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk A study involving over 17,000 people in Canada and the UK links high xylitol consumption to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, with risks rising up to 57% in some observed groups. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xylitol-consumption-linked-to-increased-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk ### 2026-09-02: Xylitol linked to increased cardiovascular risk in new study Research links the sweetener xylitol to increased risks of heart attack and stroke, while scientists develop ‘Sweelin,’ a new high-intensity sweetener that does not impact blood glucose or insulin levels. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deit-expands-sugar-free-range-amid-german-sugar-tax-debates --- Cite as: Xylitol consumption and cardiovascular risk research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260906-xylitol-consumption-and-cardiovascular-risk-research