{
  "id": 9233361,
  "title": "Could xylitol be less heart-friendly than we thought?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/could-xylitol-be-less-heart-friendly-than-we-thought",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/23/could-xylitol-be-less-heart-friendly-than-we-thought"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study revealed that individuals with elevated levels of xylitol in their blood may face a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death compared to those with lower levels. Xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener found in various sugar-free products, has been scrutinized for its potential impact on cardiovascular health. Researchers analyzed data from over 17,700 participants over a period of six years, finding that those in the highest quartile of xylitol blood levels had a 57% greater likelihood of experiencing a major cardiovascular event than those in the lowest quartile. This risk remained elevated even after 30 years, with the highest quartile individuals showing an 18% higher risk. While the study does not definitively prove that xylitol directly causes these events, it raises concerns that warrant further investigation. Laboratory and animal studies have suggested that xylitol may increase blood platelet reactivity and promote clot formation, potentially contributing to blood clots that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Researchers caution that the study's observational nature means it cannot establish a direct causal relationship. They also point out that blood xylitol levels might be influenced by the body's metabolism rather than solely by dietary intake. While the findings do not necessarily warrant immediate avoidance of xylitol-containing products, experts advise caution in consuming highly processed foods and emphasize the importance of maintaining an overall balanced diet.",
  "summary": "A recent study has linked higher blood levels of the sugar substitute with greater risk of heart attack, stroke and death - but researchers say cause and effect remain unproven.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Could xylitol be less heart-friendly than we thought?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/could-xylitol-be-less-heart-friendly-than-we-thought-9236470",
        "published": "2026-09-23T00:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}