High levels of xylitol in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, according to new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual congress.
Researchers led by Dr. Marco Witkowski of Charité University Hospital analyzed data from two long-running cohorts. One analysis found that people with higher blood xylitol levels faced a 57% greater risk of major cardiovascular events over six years, while data from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort showed an 18% higher risk over 30 years.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free chewing gum, foods and beverages. Researchers say levels resulting from consumption can be far higher than the amounts naturally present in the body.
However, scientists caution that the findings do not prove that consuming xylitol causes heart attacks or strokes. Professor Dan Atar of the European Society of Cardiology emphasized that the observational nature of the research means other factors could explain the association.
The results nevertheless raise questions about the long-term cardiovascular effects of widely used sugar substitutes and highlight the need for further research into whether reducing xylitol exposure could lower cardiovascular risk.
Related Tweet:
BITTER FINDING: A popular artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, drinks and dental products is now linked to a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
— Fox News Health (@foxnewshealth) August 31, 2026
New research presented at the ESC Cardiology Congress in Germany tracked more than 17,700 participants across… pic.twitter.com/0miFA8pULw
Also Read:
TIPP Staff
