Artificial Sweetener Xylitol Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Events
A popular sugar substitute known as xylitol is associated with higher risks of heart attack and stroke. Xvision/Moment/Getty Images A common artificial sweetener known as xylitol is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. A new study found that the higher the level of xylitol in the blood, the greater the risk of heart attack and stroke. Xylitol is used to sweeten foods,…
A new study suggests that the artificial sweetener xylitol may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from the Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany, found that higher levels of xylitol in the blood were associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events. The study examined data from over 17,000 participants in two different cohorts - one based in Canada and the other in the United Kingdom.
Among participants, those with the highest blood xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels. The relationship between xylitol blood levels and the risk of cardiovascular events was independent of other factors such as hypertension, body mass index (BMI), and lipid levels.
The findings raise questions about the health benefits of artificial sweeteners and suggest that more research is needed to determine if they should be considered a healthier alternative to sugar.
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