August 7, 2024 
 
 Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMPXylitol and Erythritol are commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic.                                                      Many people use artificial, low-calorie sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake.                                                      It's found in chewing gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more.                                                      According to a June 2024 study,                                  high levels of xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols and low-calorie sweeteners used in many foods and products, has been associated with an increased risk of a                                   major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke and death.                                                      The researchers in this study analyzed how xylitol impacts heart health in over 3,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe.                                                      The team of researchers, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic and published in                                  European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024                                   showed that having the highest blood levels of xylitol is linked with a                                  57% increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with lower levels.                                                      The Reason Why Xylitol and Erythritol May Pose a Cardiovascular Risk?                                                      Blood components called platelets help blood to clot. The researchers found that both erythritol and xylitol                                  made platelets more sensitive to blood clotting signals.                                   .                                                      Additionally, taking a single                                  30-gram dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes –                                   this increase can                                  stimulate blood clotting,                                  which is concerning for people with existing heart disease.                                                      These results suggest that consuming erythritol and                                   xylitol                                  can increase blood clot formation. This, in turn,                                  could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.                                                      What Products Commonly Include Erythritol and Xylitol?                                                                   Chewing gum                                                           Candy                                                           Ice Cream                                                           Breath mints                                                           Some Dietary supplements                                                           Mouthwash                                                           Toothpaste                                                           Sugar-Free Desserts                                                           Liquid compounded medications                          Commercially produced: Baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gums, chocolates, tabletop sweetener packets, ice cream, puddings, jams and jellies, fruit preparations, biscuits, and sauces                                                                  Dr. Grisanti's Comments                                                      For now, I recommend being cautious using products with xylitol and erythritol in it, – particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors.                                                      Although some people will say the research may be flawed, I have to wonder if the people against this new study have an agenda that places the public at risk.                                                      All in all, I say why take the risk.                                                      I prefer to err on the side of caution and simply stop consuming food items that have erythritol and xylitol in it.                                                      Using xylitol and erythritol in the small amounts typically found in chewing gum, toothpastes, and mouth rinses seems to be safe.                                                      But using it in very high doses and long-term isn't a good idea.                                                      It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events.                                                      If you're looking for a sweet treat, the only sweeteners I stand behind are                                  organic, 100 percent stevia or monk fruit extracts.                                                      Remember simply read the labels of the items you eat or drink if you want to know if xylitol and erythritol has been added.                                                      ---------                                                      ATTENTION DOCTORS, ALL HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS, PATIENTS and POTENTIAL NEW PATIENTS                                                      If you found this article of value may I ask if you can tell your friends and colleagues about Clinical Rounds. 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Here is the webpage to subscribe:                                                      http://www.clinicalrounds.com                                                      References:                                                      https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/xylitol-may-affect-cardiovascular-health                                                                    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/xylitol-linked-increased-heart-risk-reconsider-sugar-substitutes-rcna155688                                                                    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/common-sweetener-linked-potential-cardiovascular-risks                                                                    https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453                                                                    https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/06/xylitol-sugar-artificial-sweetener-heart/                                                                    https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events                                                                    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9                                                                    https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453                        https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453                                                      ** Always consult with a physician or healthcare practitioner with significant integrative or functional medicine training before starting any of the above recommendations.                                                      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