Biotech
Thursday, June 6th, 2024 3:27 pm EDT
Key Points
- Xylitol Linked to Cardiovascular Risk: Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have found an association between xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute, and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related deaths, as reported in the European Heart Journal. This finding raises concerns about the safety of sugar substitutes, especially for individuals with existing health conditions like diabetes, who are more likely to consume such products.
- Mechanism of Action: The study involved measuring naturally occurring xylitol levels in the blood of over 3,000 participants and found that elevated xylitol levels were correlated with a doubled risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over the subsequent three years. Further investigations on mice and human volunteers revealed that xylitol activates platelets, increasing clotting, a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. This mechanism suggests a potential link between xylitol consumption and cardiovascular events.
- Recommendations and Limitations: While the study urges caution in consuming xylitol and other sugar alcohols, it acknowledges the need for further research to establish causation and understand the factors contributing to elevated xylitol levels in some individuals. Despite limitations, including the observational nature of the study and the specific characteristics of the participants, the findings underscore the importance of considering dietary choices and the potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners.
The safety of sugar substitutes, particularly xylitol, has been brought into question once again by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic. Their study, published in the European Heart Journal, associates xylitol consumption with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related deaths. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, is commonly used as a low-calorie sugar substitute in various products such as gum, candies, toothpaste, and baked goods. Despite its natural occurrence in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, concerns have arisen regarding its potential health risks, especially for individuals already susceptible to cardiovascular issues like diabetes. The study, involving over 3,000 participants, revealed that elevated xylitol levels in the blood were correlated with a doubled risk of heart attack, stroke, or death within the subsequent three years. Further investigations on mice, blood samples, and human volunteers suggested that xylitol activates platelets, leading to increased clotting, a primary cause of cardiovascular events. While the study underscores the need for caution in consuming xylitol and other sugar alcohols, it also emphasizes the limitations of observational research and the necessity for more comprehensive studies to establish causation. Dr. Stanely Hazen, the lead author, advises patients to minimize xylitol intake and opt for natural sweeteners like sugar, honey, or fruits instead. However, Joanne Slavin, a food science professor, suggests that for individuals struggling to reduce sugar consumption, sugar substitutes like xylitol could still be an option, albeit in moderation. Despite these findings, the study’s applicability to healthy individuals and the broader population warrants further investigation, given the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and other risk factors in modern society.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/06/common-sugar-substitute-linked-to-increased-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke.html
