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This popular sweetener may raise your heart attack, stroke risk
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A study presented at the ESC Congress found that high blood levels of xylitol, an artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death.
- Over a six-year follow-up, individuals with the highest xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels, and an 18% higher risk over 30 years, after adjusting for known risk factors.
- The study suggests a dose-dependent relationship between xylitol levels and cardiovascular risk, but as an observational study, it does not establish causation and has not yet been peer-reviewed.
- Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the cardiovascular safety of xylitol, especially given its increasing use in foods and beverages.
- Experts highlight that while artificial sweeteners have generally been considered safe, this new evidence calls for more research to confirm potential long-term health effects of xylitol.
