Overview
- Researchers presented pooled analyses at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in late August showing an association between circulating xylitol and major adverse cardiovascular events in the general population.
- In two cohorts totaling 17,710 people, the highest xylitol levels were linked to a 57% higher risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death over six years in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and an 18% higher risk over 30 years in EPIC‑Norfolk.
- The association showed a dose‑response pattern and persisted after adjustment for common risk factors such as age, sex, smoking, BMI, cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes.
- Laboratory and small volunteer studies by the same team found xylitol increases platelet reactivity, offering a plausible biological mechanism for increased clotting and cardiovascular events.
- Experts warn the data are observational, note possible confounding from endogenous xylitol production and ultra‑processed diets, and say regulators and clinicians should await replication, prospective and mechanistic studies before changing guidance.