The Hidden Dangers of Xylitol (A Common Artificial Sweetener): What You Need to Know
In recent years, Xylitol has gained popularity as a sugar substitute, praised for its low calorie content and dental benefits. However, behind its sweet allure, we have long known there are potential downsides that warrant careful consideration. And recently, a study showed that Xylitol can even increase your risk of stroke!
The study, conducted by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic, showed that after consuming Xylitol patients may have higher rates of heart attacks, stroke and even death. This product seems to cause platelets to form clots more easily. These clots can break off, resulting in heart attacks and strokes.
In this study, “differences in platelet behavior were seen after a person consumed even a modest amount of Xylitol in a drink typical of a portion consumed in real life,” said Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, who was involved in this research. In recent years, professional organizations have recommended Xylitol as a sugar substitute for patients with obesity and diabetes to improve glucose control. Yet, these patients are some of the most vulnerable for clotting events!
Less worrisome, but also important to note issues include:
Gastrointestinal issues
One of the most common side effects of Xylitol consumption is gastrointestinal discomfort. Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol, which can be difficult for the digestive system to process. When consumed in large amounts, Xylitol can cause: bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
This is because Xylitol is only partially absorbed in the intestines, and the unabsorbed portion can ferment, leading to these unpleasant symptoms. For individuals with irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive issues, Xylitol can exacerbate their conditions.
2. Potential impact on blood sugar levels
Although Xylitol has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels as dramatically as regular sugar, it is not completely inert. Some studies suggest that Xylitol can still have a light impact on blood glucose levels, which may be a concern for people with diabetes or those monitoring their carbohydrate intake closely. Furthermore, the overall effect of Xylitol on insulin sensitivity and metabolic health remains under-researched.
3. Liver health concerns
Emerging research indicates that excessive consumption of sugar alcohols, including Xylitol, might have negative effects on liver health. There is some evidence to suggest that high intake could lead to increased fat accumulation in the liver, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, it raises concerns about the long term impact of Xylitol on liver function particularly in individuals already at risk for liver conditions.
4. Toxicity in pets
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and other pets. Even small amounts can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure and potentially death in dogs. This makes Xylitol particularly dangerous in households with pets, as accidental ingestion can have dire consequences. Pet owners need to be vigilant about keeping Xylitol containing products out of reach of their animals.
While reaching for artificial sweeteners has become increasingly easy to do in our local stores and restaurants, it’s important to understand the potential impacts it may have on our health. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned consumers in 2023 to avoid artificial sweeteners for weight loss, and has called for additional research on the long term toxicity of low and no calorie sweeteners.