Artificial Sweetener Xylitol Associated with Higher Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular Events
Researchers found a dose-response pattern, with the highest xylitol group showing a 57% higher six-year cardiovascular risk and an 18% higher 30-year risk.
- Xylitol, an artificial sweetener used in foods and oral care products, has been linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes in a study of 17,710 participants.
- Participants with the highest blood xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of major cardiovascular events over six years compared to those with the lowest levels.
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82 Articles
Common Sweetener Added To Sugar-Free Desserts Linked To Higher Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke
Observational data suggests an association between xylitol and major cardiac events, but it’s too early to say that consumption of the sweetener was the cause.
Xilitol, a sweetener used as an alternative to sugar, is associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and death, according to a new study presented at the Congress of the European Cardiology Society (ESC) 2026. Researchers stress, however, that the results do not demonstrate that xylitol directly causes these cardiovascular problems.
High levels of xylitol in the blood appear to increase the likelihood of life-threatening cardiovascular events – not only in risk groups.
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