(PatriotPostNews.com) — A popular low-calorie sweetener could nearly double the risk of cardiovascular problems, according to a new study.
Xylitol, which is used in a large number of foods with reduced sugar as well as other products like toothpaste and chewing gum, may significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes for those who consume it the most. Dr. Stanley Hazen, one of the lead authors of the research, explained that healthy participants who consumed “a typical drink” containing the sweetener were observed to have levels of xylitol increase “1,000-fold.”
Hazen—who serves as the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention director as well as the head of the Center for Microbiome and Human Health—also said that the levels of xylitol have not been this high among humans before the “last couple of decades.” He added that this is due to the consumption of processed foods that contain artificial sweeteners as a substitute to sugar.
Hazen further explained that, while sugar consumption leads to a 10–20 percent increase in glucose levels, it is not “up a 1,000-fold” as xylitol did in the recent study. The research findings indicate that the sweetener could lead to more frequent and efficient clotting of blood platelets. This can subsequently result in either a heart attack or a stroke.
Dr. Ashesh Parikh, a Texas-based cardiologist not involved in the study, further explained that, simply put, “xylitol activates platelets.” The activation of platelets forms clotting, which is a natural defense mechanism if the body is injured but reacts unnecessarily in response to the artificial sweetener.
Parikh emphasized that the research indicates “an association” between xylitol and cardiovascular issues rather than a “causation.” He said that “the average person” would not need to be concerned about the results, but those with a higher risk of similar problems—including those who smoke, have diabetes, and use dialysis—should avoid the artificial sweetener.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously warned people to be on the lookout for xylitol being consumed by pets. The agency encourages pet owners to be aware of their animals ingesting the product—especially in the form of chewing gum—due to its poisonous effect on pets.
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