Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography / Getty Images
Xylitolis a natural sugar-free sweetener derived from fruits and vegetables.
It tastes as sweet as sugar and is well-known for being diabetes-friendly and improving dental health.
It’s one of many sweeteners classified as a sugar alcohol.
Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography / Getty Images
Sugars GI score is about 60, while xylitols is just 7.
Xylitol also has fewer calories and carbohydrates than sugar.
Its a one-to-one sugar replacement in recipes, meaning the same amount of xylitol as sugar can be used.
Researchers say xylitol should be part of a plan to preventdental cavitiesand promote oral health.
It may also inhibit the growth of:
4.
Who Should Avoid Xylitol?
Xylitol may not be safe for everyone.
With IBS, you may have unpleasant digestive side effects from xylitol.
You may want to avoid them altogether.
Cardiovascular Health
Early research suggests higher blood levels of xylitol may worsen heart disease.
Its been linked to an increased risk ofheart attackandstrokeand to increased blood clotting in mice and extracted human blood.
More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people are not bothered by xylitol in their diets.
However, it causes digestive problems in some people, especially if its eaten quickly and in large quantities.
Where Does Xylitol Come From?
The xylitol found in commercial products comes from birch sap and corn.
Not That Kind of Alcohol
Dont let the term sugar alcohol scare youit wont make you intoxicated.
Where Do You Find Xylitol?
Untreated, this can be a fatal reaction, and it happens fast.
Signs of xylitol poisoning can start within 20 minutes of your dog ingesting it.
Your quick action may stash your pups life.
Its best to keep xylitol away from them and watch for symptoms if they ingest some.
What About Cats and Other Pets?
Cats and other common household pets have not been shown to have an adverse reaction to xylitol.
Compared to sugar, it has a minimal effect on blood sugars and helps reduce dental cavities.
However, it may not be safe for people with irritable bowel syndrome or heart disease.
Possible side effects include gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Most people can consume xylitol safely.
Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.Xylitol: what to know about this popular sugar substitute.
ALHumaid J, Bamashmous M.Meta-analysis on the effectiveness of xylitol in caries prevention.J Int Soc Prev Community Dent.
2019;11(8):1813. doi:10.3390/nu11081813
Monash University.Sweeteners and the low FODMAP diet.
May 20, 2020.
2024;45(27):2439-2452. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehae244
AllXylitol.How xylitol is produced.
University of Pennsylvania, PennToday.The ins and outs of sugar alcohol.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Paws off Xylitol; Its dangerous for dogs.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Paws off!
Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
