Regular consumption of sugar-free gum, particularly those containing the sweetener xylitol, may be associated with an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a new study. German scientists found that individuals who consume high quantities of xylitol had up to a 57% higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke compared to those with minimal intake.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol naturally present in the body and widely used in sugar-free products like gum, mints, and oral care items for its sweetness and lower calorie content. It is also recognized for its dental benefits, such as inhibiting cavity-causing bacteria.
Study Details and Findings
The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress by Dr. Marco Witkowski of Charité University Hospital in Berlin, analyzed data from 17,710 participants over three decades. The study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of xylitol on heart health, an area previously overlooked.
Investigators observed that individuals with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood faced a significantly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature death compared to those with the lowest levels. Over a six-year follow-up period, the risk of a major cardiovascular event remained 57% higher for the highest xylitol consumers, even after accounting for established risk factors like age, sex, smoking, and high blood pressure. After 30 years, the cumulative risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiac death was 18% higher in the group with the highest xylitol blood levels.
"Artificial sweeteners are consumed by people who think they are healthier than sugar and they are generally regarded as safe by regulatory agencies," Dr. Witkowski stated, adding that the findings highlight how much remains unknown about the long-term safety of such additives.
Previous research suggests that xylitol can thicken blood, potentially increasing the risk of dangerous clots. Experts not involved in the study emphasized the need for further research into this significant topic.
"In this observational work, however, it appears that xylitol has a negative long-term effect on cardiovascular events," commented Professor Dan Atar, a member of the ESC Communication Committee. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting potential links between artificial sweeteners and various health concerns, including diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Other studies have indicated that sweeteners can impact gut bacteria and, in the case of sorbitol, potentially lead to fat buildup in the liver. Concerns about artificial sweeteners were amplified in 2023 when the World Health Organization classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans,' though it noted this applied to excessive consumption levels.
However, health experts caution that the potential risks of artificial sweeteners should be weighed against the well-documented harms of consuming sugar. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the UK, with hundreds of thousands suffering heart attacks or strokes annually.