New Xylitol Study Raises Questions About Heart Health
A new study is drawing attention to xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free chewing gum, candies, toothpaste and other products. Researchers studying more than 17,700 people found that individuals with higher levels of xylitol in their blood had a greater risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events than people with lower levels. The research was presented at the 2026 European Society of Cardiology Congress. ESC 365 +1 What Did Researchers Find? The researchers examined data from two large population cohorts and looked at blood xylitol levels and later cardiovascular outcomes. According to the European Society of Cardiology, higher blood levels of xylitol were associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events. The findings have prompted researchers to call for additional studies into the long-term safety of xylitol and other sweeteners. Escardio Some reports on the study have highlighted an increased risk among people with the highest measured xy...