New Study Links Regular Consumption of Xylitol to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Cleveland, Ohio United States of America
A study in the European Heart Journal links xylitol consumption to increased risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular-related deaths.
Moderate consumption unlikely to cause serious problems.
People with highest xylitol levels were twice as likely to suffer a cardiovascular event within 3 years.
Risks higher for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated cholesterol levels.
Xylitol activates platelets, increasing risk of blood clots in heart and brain.
New Study Links Regular Consumption of Xylitol to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has linked the consumption of xylitol, a common sugar substitute, to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular-related deaths. The study found that people with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood were approximately twice as likely to suffer one of these conditions within three years compared to those with lower levels.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in small amounts in fruit and vegetables, but it is also added to many low-calorie or sugar-free products such as gum, candies, toothpaste and baked goods. It has gained popularity due to its low calorie count and the fact that it does not spike blood sugar levels like regular sugar.

However, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic found that xylitol activates platelets in the blood, making them more likely to clump together and potentially cause blood clots in the heart and brain. This can lead to conditions such as stroke or heart attack, particularly for individuals who are already predisposed to these conditions.

The study analyzed data from over 3000 adults and found that those who consumed the most xylitol were at a higher risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. The researchers also noted that xylitol can increase the risk of conditions like stroke or heart attack for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels.

It is important to note that this study does not suggest that all consumption of xylitol is dangerous. Moderate consumption, such as what might be found in toothpaste or a stick of gum, is unlikely to cause serious problems. However, those who consume large amounts of xylitol on a regular basis may want to consider limiting their intake or seeking alternative sweeteners.

The use of sugar substitutes like xylitol has become increasingly common in recent years as concerns about obesity and the link between sugar consumption and various health conditions continue to grow. However, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with these alternatives and to make informed choices about their diet.

The researchers suggest that further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of xylitol on cardiovascular health. In the meantime, those who are concerned about their risk of heart attack or stroke may want to consider avoiding products that contain high levels of xylitol and seeking alternative sweeteners instead.


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are there any potential benefits to xylitol consumption that offset the risks?
  • Is the link between xylitol and cardiovascular events definitive?

Sources

74%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Study: Low-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke

KSL TV Unknown CNN Friday, 07 June 2024 01:34
  • Unique Points
    • Xylitol levels in blood can increase up to 1,000-fold after consumption
    • Consuming xylitol may cause blood platelets to clot more readily
    • Reducing clotting activity is important for cardiovascular health as it's used in treatments for heart attacks and strokes
  • Accuracy
    • Study links xylitol consumption to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death
  • Deception (30%)
    The article makes several statements that could be considered deceptive or misleading. First, the title and body of the article imply a causal relationship between xylitol consumption and heart attacks, strokes, and death. However, the study only found an association between high levels of xylitol in the blood and an increased risk for these conditions. The article also fails to disclose that this is not a new finding, as similar results were reported for erythritol in 2023. Additionally, the article quotes experts making opinions and interpretations of the study results without providing any context or qualification. Lastly, the article includes emotional manipulation by implying that people who consume xylitol are at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
    • Worrisome blood clots occur
    • The new study found that people with the highest levels of xylitol compared to those with the lowest levels had nearly twice the risk of heart attack, stroke and death.
    • Reducing clotting activity is a key treatment used by cardiologists, so any additional clotting in platelets is a bad sign.
    • These experiments are interesting but alone do not prove that platelet abnormalities are to account for a linkage between xylitol and clinical events.
    • This is another warning we ought to switch to water, with a close second being unsweetened tea or coffee.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it states 'Reducing clotting activity is a key treatment used by cardiologists, so any additional clotting in platelets is a bad sign.' This statement implies that because cardiologists use drugs to reduce clotting, any increase in clotting must be bad. However, this does not necessarily mean that xylitol specifically causes harm through increased clotting.
    • ]Reducing clotting activity is a key treatment used by cardiologists, so any additional clotting in platelets is a bad sign.[/
  • Bias (80%)
    The article presents the study findings that xylitol and erythritol may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death due to their impact on platelet behavior. The author also quotes experts expressing concerns about these sweeteners enhancing platelet activity. However, one expert's statement is included that questions the study's findings and suggests more research is needed.
    • people with the highest levels of xylitol compared to those with the lowest levels had nearly twice the risk of heart attack, stroke and death
      • These experiments are interesting but alone do not prove that platelet abnormalities are to account for a linkage between xylitol and clinical events
        • Worrisome blood clots occur when you eat sugar, your glucose level may go up 10% or 20%, but it doesn’t go up a 1,000-fold
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        79%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Popular sweetener found in many snacks may have deadly consequences

        New York Post Reda Wigle Friday, 07 June 2024 16:44
        • Unique Points
          • A study of 3000 adults found that those who consumed the most xylitol were nearly twice as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack within three years than those who consumed limited quantities.
          • Xylitol activates platelets, making them more likely to clump together and potentially cause blood clots in the heart and brain.
          • Consuming xylitol can increase the risk of conditions like stroke or heart attack for individuals who are predisposed to these conditions.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (30%)
          The article makes several deceptive statements. First, it uses emotional manipulation by stating that 'Nothing is safe, folks' and 'All it takes is xylitol to interact with platelets alone for a very brief period of time, a matter of minutes, and the platelet becomes supercharged and much more prone to clot.' These statements are designed to create fear in the reader. Second, there is selective reporting as the article only reports on one study that suggests xylitol may be dangerous without mentioning other studies that have found no link between xylitol consumption and heart attacks or strokes. Third, there is sensationalism with the title 'Popular sweetener found in many snacks may have deadly consequences.' This title is not an accurate representation of the content of the article as it implies that xylitol consumption will definitely result in deadly consequences, which is not supported by the evidence presented in the article.
          • All it takes is xylitol to interact with platelets alone for a very brief period of time, a matter of minutes, and the platelet becomes supercharged and much more prone to clot.
          • Popular sweetener found in many snacks may have deadly consequences
          • Nothing is safe, folks
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating 'Nothing is safe, folks, not even toothpaste.' and 'All it takes is xylitol to interact with platelets alone for a very brief period of time, a matter of minutes, and the platelet becomes supercharged and much more prone to clot.' These statements are intended to create fear in the reader without providing sufficient evidence. The author also uses an appeal to authority by quoting Dr. Stanley Hazen's opinions without providing any context or counter-opinions.
          • Nothing is safe, folks, not even toothpaste.
          • All it takes is xylitol to interact with platelets alone for a very brief period of time, a matter of minutes, and the platelet becomes supercharged and much more prone to clot.
        • Bias (80%)
          The author expresses a bias towards the potential danger of xylitol by using language that depicts it as deadly and something to be avoided. The author also quotes Dr. Stanley Hazen making statements about the dangers of xylitol and how it can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
          • A recent study suggests that a low-calorie sweetener found in hundreds of popular snacks, toothpaste and gum may raise the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
            • That translates to xylitol’s potential to ‘supercharge’ blood clotting in the body
              • This study again shows the immediate need for investigating sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended in combatting conditions like obesity or diabetes.
                • Upon consumption, xylitol is absorbed directly into the blood, where researchers say it activates platelets, making them more likely to clump together.
                  • We’re throwing this stuff into our food pyramid, and the very people who are most likely to be consuming it are the ones who are most likely to be at risk of heart attack and stroke.
                    • Xylitol looks and tastes like sugar but contains 40 percent less calories. But it seems those healthy hopes may have been gravely misplaced.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication

                    77%

                    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                    Sugar substitute xylitol linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke

                    The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Caren Chesler Thursday, 06 June 2024 17:58
                    • Unique Points
                      • Researchers found that those who had suffered a cardiovascular event had high blood levels of xylitol.
                      • Xylitol caused platelets in the blood to clot.
                      • Blood clots that travel to the arteries or veins in the body can cause heart attacks, strokes and even death.
                      • Those who drank the xylitol beverage showed a marked increase in clotting ability of their blood right after they ingested it.
                      • Researchers found an elevated xylitol level may be worse for your heart than cholesterol.
                      • The chemical levels in the blood went up 1000-fold and remained elevated for four to six hours after consumption.
                    • Accuracy
                      • An elevated xylitol level may be worse for your heart than cholesterol.
                    • Deception (30%)
                      The article makes several statements that could be considered deceptive or misleading. First, the author states 'Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic conducted several studies.' However, she does not specify which studies are being referred to or provide any citations for these studies. This is an example of selective reporting and a lie by omission. Additionally, when discussing the findings of one study, the author states 'In another study, researchers tested blood-clotting susceptibility by collecting blood from 10 healthy volunteers before and 30 minutes after drinking a xylitol-sweetened drink.' However, she does not mention that this study was also published in the European Heart Journal or provide any other details about it. This is another example of selective reporting and a lie by omission. Furthermore, the author states 'The results challenge the popular understanding of sugar alcohols such as xylitol and erythritol as healthy, natural sugar alternatives.' However, she does not provide any evidence to support this claim or explain why these substances are considered unhealthy or dangerous. This is an example of emotional manipulation and sensationalism. Lastly, the author quotes Stanley Hazen stating 'We were trying to discover the next cholesterol, another pathway that contributes to heart disease that’s naturally occurring in our bodies.' However, she does not clarify that this statement was made in relation to xylitol and erythritol or provide any context for why this discovery is significant. This is an example of editorializing and pontification.
                      • The results challenge the popular understanding of sugar alcohols such as xylitol and erythritol as healthy, natural sugar alternatives.
                      • In another study, researchers tested blood-clotting susceptibility by collecting blood from 10 healthy volunteers before and 30 minutes after drinking a xylitol-sweetened drink.
                      • Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic conducted several studies.
                    • Fallacies (80%)
                      The author does not make any explicit fallacious arguments in the article. However, there are some potential issues that could be considered informal fallacies or biases. The author uses inflammatory language when describing xylitol as being linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke without explicitly stating that this is a causal relationship. Additionally, the author quotes experts making statements about the potential risks of xylitol, but does not provide any counterarguments or alternative perspectives. This could be seen as an appeal to authority fallacy if not presented in context with other information.
                      • ]The popular sugar substitute xylitol is associated with an increased risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack and stroke[.
                      • Researchers found that those who had suffered a cardiovascular event had high blood levels of xylitol.
                      • Ten other volunteers were given a glucose- or sugar-sweetened drink. Researchers found that those who drank the xylitol beverage showed a marked increase in clotting ability of their blood right after they ingested it.
                    • Bias (80%)
                      The author uses language that depicts xylitol as a dangerous substance linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke without providing any context or balance in the article. The author also quotes experts expressing concern about the findings, but does not provide any counter-arguments or perspectives from those who may disagree.
                      • Researchers found that those who had suffered a cardiovascular event had high blood levels of xylitol.
                        • The popular sugar substitute xylitol, commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic, is associated with an increased risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack and stroke
                          • The results challenge the popular understanding of sugar alcohols such as xylitol and erythritol as healthy, natural sugar alternatives.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication

                          83%

                          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                          Common sugar substitute linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke

                          Entertainment Variety Tv Site: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv-site/ Barbara Mantel Friday, 07 June 2024 20:58
                          • Unique Points
                            • Study published in European Heart Journal links xylitol to increased risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular-related deaths.
                            • People with top 25% xylitol levels had approximately double the risk for heart attack, stroke or death over the next three years compared to people in bottom quarter.
                            • Xylitol seems to activate platelets, leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
                          • Accuracy
                            • Xylitol seems to activate platelets, which are blood component that controls clotting and leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
                          • Deception (30%)
                            The author makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by stating that 'The safety of sugar substitutes is once again being called into question.' and 'Many heart attacks and strokes occur in people who do not have known risk factors, like diabetes, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels.' These statements are not facts but rather the author's opinions. The article also uses selective reporting by only mentioning the negative aspects of xylitol without providing any context about its potential benefits. Additionally, the article references a study that was published in the European Heart Journal but does not provide any details about it or link to it, which is a lie by omission.
                            • The safety of sugar substitutes is once again being called into question.
                            • Many heart attacks and strokes occur in people who do not have known risk factors, like diabetes, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels.
                          • Fallacies (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Bias (95%)
                            The author expresses a clear bias against sugar substitutes, specifically xylitol, by stating that it is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular-related deaths. She also uses language that depicts those who consume these substances as being at risk and potentially extreme or unreasonable in their choices. The author does not provide any counterarguments or acknowledge the potential benefits of using sugar substitutes.
                            • In all these cases, xylitol seemed to activate platelets, which are the blood component that controls clotting, said Hazen. Blood clots are the leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
                              • It’s probably reasonable to limit intake of artificial sweeteners.
                                • Many heart attacks and strokes occur in people who do not have known risk factors, like diabetes, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels. The research team began studying sugar alcohols found naturally in the human body to see if the compounds might predict cardiovascular risk in these people.
                                  • Researchers led by the Cleveland Clinic linked the low-calorie sugar substitute xylitol to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular-related deaths.
                                    • The safety of sugar substitutes is once again being called into question.
                                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                      None Found At Time Of Publication