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Common Sweetener Tied to Higher Stroke, Heart Risks
Newser • • health
Key Points:
- A large European study involving over 17,000 participants found that high blood levels of xylitol, a common low-calorie sweetener, are linked to a significantly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death over both six and 30 years.
- Individuals with the highest xylitol levels were 57% more likely to experience serious cardiovascular events or death within six years, with an 18% increased risk persisting after 30 years.
- The association between xylitol levels and cardiovascular risk was consistent regardless of age, sex, weight, blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol status, and appeared to be dose-dependent.
- Researchers emphasize the study is observational and does not prove causation, but it highlights the limited understanding of the long-term cardiovascular effects of xylitol and artificial sweeteners in general.
- Experts call for further research as xylitol consumption rises, noting that while artificial sweeteners are generally considered safe, emerging evidence suggests they may not be completely harmless.
