People who consume higher amounts of xylitol, a popular artificial sweetener, may face a greater risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a new study.
The research, presented at the ESC Cardiology Congress in Germany, found a link between higher levels of xylitol in the blood and an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Xylitol is commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener and sugar substitute, often found in foods, drinks, chewing gum, and dental care products.
The study followed two large groups of participants, with over 17,700 Canadians and Britons involved. Over a six-year period, those with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood had a 57% higher risk of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke related to cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels. A similar association was observed in a 30-year follow-up of participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk group, where those with the highest xylitol levels had an 18% greater risk of MACE.
The researchers found that the association between xylitol levels and cardiovascular risk was dose-dependent, meaning that higher blood concentrations corresponded to higher rates of cardiovascular events. This relationship persisted even after adjusting for other factors such as age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, and lipid levels.
The study's findings are consistent with previous research that suggested xylitol can enhance the ability of platelets to form clots. However, the study's lead author noted that more research is needed to confirm the findings and establish whether high levels of xylitol in the blood necessarily reflect dietary consumption.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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