Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP
Xylitol and Erythritol are commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic.
Many people use artificial, low-calorie sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake.
It’s found in chewing gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more.
According to a June 2024 study, high levels of xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols and low-calorie sweeteners used in many foods and products, has been associated with an increased risk of a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke and death.
The researchers in this study analyzed how xylitol impacts heart health in over 3,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe.
The team of researchers, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic and published in European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024 showed that having the highest blood levels of xylitol is linked with a 57% increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with lower levels.
The Reason Why Xylitol and Erythritol May Pose a Cardiovascular Risk?
Blood components called platelets help blood to clot. The researchers found that both erythritol and xylitol made platelets more sensitive to blood clotting signals. .
Additionally, taking a single 30-gram dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes – this increase can stimulate blood clotting, which is concerning for people with existing heart disease.
These results suggest that consuming erythritol and xylitol can increase blood clot formation. This, in turn, could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
What Products Commonly Include Erythritol and Xylitol?
- Chewing gum
- Candy
- Ice Cream
- Breath mints
- Some Dietary supplements
- Mouthwash
- Toothpaste
- Sugar-Free Desserts
- Liquid compounded medications
Commercially produced: Baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gums, chocolates, tabletop sweetener packets, ice cream, puddings, jams and jellies, fruit preparations, biscuits, and sauces
Dr. Grisanti’s Comments
For now, I recommend being cautious using products with xylitol and erythritol in it, – particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors.
Although some people will say the research may be flawed, I have to wonder if the people against this new study have an agenda that places the public at risk.
All in all, I say why take the risk.
I prefer to err on the side of caution and simply stop consuming food items that have erythritol and xylitol in it.
Using xylitol and erythritol in the small amounts typically found in chewing gum, toothpastes, and mouth rinses seems to be safe.
But using it in very high doses and long-term isn’t a good idea.
It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, the only sweeteners I stand behind are organic, 100 percent stevia or monk fruit extracts.
Remember simply read the labels of the items you eat or drink if you want to know if xylitol and erythritol has been added.
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References:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/xylitol-may-affect-cardiovascular-health
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/xylitol-linked-increased-heart-risk-reconsider-sugar-substitutes-rcna155688
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/common-sweetener-linked-potential-cardiovascular-risks
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/06/xylitol-sugar-artificial-sweetener-heart/
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453
** Always consult with a physician or healthcare practitioner with significant integrative or functional medicine training before starting any of the above recommendations.
The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University’s Certification Program (CFMP) www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is required.
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