Sweetener used in chewing gum and jam linked to strokes and heart attacks

A study presented at a major heart conference found a link between high levels of a common sweetener called xylitol and an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and death. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol found in some natural foods and commonly added to artificially sweeten products, has never been widely studied for its long-term health impacts.

Researchers examined 17,710 people, comparing the 25% with the highest blood levels of xylitol against the 25% with the lowest. The study showed that those with the highest xylitol levels were 57% more likely to die or experience a heart attack or stroke within six years, and still 18% more likely to have suffered such events after 30 years.

The association remained consistent across different age, sex, and other health factors. Dr. Marco Witkowski, the study's author, explained that xylitol may increase platelets' ability to form clots, while another researcher noted that the findings highlight the need for further research on the cardiovascular safety of xylitol, especially as its use continues to grow in food products.