Study Reveals Xylitol Linked to Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events

A recent study led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute has uncovered a concerning association between the use of xylitol, a common sugar substitute, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Xylitol, widely used in sugar-free products like candy and toothpaste, has become a popular alternative to sugar in processed foods marketed as healthier options. The research team, in a large-scale analysis involving patients in the U.S. and Europe, found that higher levels of circulating xylitol were linked to a heightened three-year risk of cardiovascular events.

According to the findings published in a medical journal, a third of patients with the highest levels of xylitol in their plasma were more likely to experience cardiovascular events, emphasizing the potential risks associated with the sweetener.

To verify these results, the researchers conducted preclinical studies that revealed xylitol’s role in causing platelet clotting, increasing the risk of thrombosis. Additionally, an intervention study comparing xylitol and glucose-sweetened drinks showed a significant increase in clotting ability following xylitol ingestion.

The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Office of Dietary Supplements, highlights the need for further investigation into the cardiovascular safety of xylitol and other sugar substitutes. Dr. Hazen, an expert in Preventive Cardiology, warns of the potential risks posed by high levels of xylitol consumption and advises consulting healthcare professionals for personalized dietary recommendations.

The Cleveland Clinic, a renowned nonprofit academic medical center founded in 1921, continues to lead innovative research in cardiovascular health under Dr. Hazen’s guidance. With a focus on predicting residual cardiovascular risk factors, the clinic’s team strives to advance the understanding of heart and metabolic diseases.

As xylitol’s potential impact on heart health gains attention, consumers are urged to stay informed about the risks associated with sugar substitutes and make informed choices regarding their dietary habits.