Sweetener linked to strokes and heart attacks
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The gist
A study of 17,710 people links high blood xylitol to 57% higher heart attack and stroke.
The sweetener in gum and jam may pose long-term cardiovascular dangers, prompting calls for.
Background
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products like chewing gum, toothpaste, jam, and yoghurts, often at levels 1,000 times higher than natural amounts. Researchers from Charité University Hospital in Berlin analyzed data from two large studies and found that people with the highest blood xylitol levels had a greater risk of major cardiovascular events. The findings are due to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026 and add to earlier research suggesting xylitol may affect blood clotting.
How it unfolded
- 2024An earlier study coauthored by Dr. Witkowski linked xylitol to increased platelet reactivity, suggesting a higher risk of blood clots.
- Aug 26, 2026News outlets report on the new study, which analyzed blood levels of xylitol in 17,710 participants and found higher levels associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
- Aug 28, 2026The Guardian and other outlets publish detailed coverage, noting that those with highest levels had a 57% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death within six years.
- Aug 29, 2026The study is widely covered, with researchers emphasizing that the findings are observational and do not prove causation, but call for further studies.
Who’s saying what
- Researchers
- Dr. Marco Witkowski and colleagues say the study shows xylitol may have a negative long-term effect on cardiovascular events, but causality is difficult to infer.
- Expert
- Professor Dan Atar of the ESC Communication Committee notes that artificial sweeteners are widely embraced and generally regarded as safe, but this work mandates further studies.
Still unverified
The study has not yet been published or peer-reviewed; it is due to be presented at the ESC Congress 2026. The findings are observational and do not prove that xylitol causes heart attacks or strokes.