08/29/2026
High blood levels of xylitol associated with higher risk of major cardiovascular events, in largest study of its kind.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol present in some natural foods in very low amounts. It is also added – often in amounts 1,000 times higher – to artificially sweeten foods, beverages and oral care products.
Furthermore, the researchers showed that there was consistent increase in cardiovascular events with xylitol irrespective of baseline characteristics, such as age and s*x.
This study is a reminder that we all need to reduce our intake of processed foods and drinks that are often high in sugar, salt or sweeteners, and focus on a balanced diet to help protect our hearts.
A 30-year study of people in Norfolk suggested a link between cardiovascular problems and blood levels of xylitol, which is also commonly found in toothpaste