Overview
- A pooled observational analysis presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in late August examined 17,710 people from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Ageing and EPIC‑Norfolk and found higher circulating xylitol was associated with more major adverse cardiovascular events.
- Risk estimates varied by cohort with people in the highest xylitol quartile showing up to a 57% higher risk over six years in the Canadian group and an 18% higher risk over 30 years in the U.K. group.
- The association showed a dose‑response pattern and remained after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, BMI, diabetes, hypertension and lipid levels, but the analysis is observational and has not yet been peer‑reviewed.
- Researchers cited prior laboratory and small human studies linking xylitol to increased platelet reactivity as a possible biological mechanism, and they and independent cardiology experts are calling for replication and mechanistic trials.
- Because xylitol is widely used in gum, mints, foods and dental products, the findings could prompt regulators and public‑health agencies to review exposure and guidance, though current evidence does not prove causation or justify immediate consumer mandates.