A new study has found that the low-calorie sweetener found in peanut butter, gum and hundreds of snacks, may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
A research team at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio revealed that consuming a large amount of xylitol (a natural sweetener found in fruits and vegetables) doubles the chances of having a heart attack or stroke over the next three years.
"Xylitol" is known as a sugar alcohol that exists in small quantities naturally, and is also manufactured in very small quantities in the human body. It looks and tastes like sugar, and contains 40% fewer calories.
Laboratory studies have shown that this sweetener can "increase" blood clotting, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Dr. Stanley Hazen, a cardiologist who led the study of 3,000 adults, aged around 65, said: “This study once again shows the immediate need to investigate artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended to combat conditions, such as obesity or diabetes.”
He added: "We must be aware that consuming a product containing high levels of xylitol can increase the risk of conditions associated with blood clots."
Researchers say that the body absorbs xylitol immediately after ingestion, and it can interact with platelets, or clotting factors, to make them more likely to clump together.
Consumers are advised to read the product ingredients, to find out if it contains this sweetener.
It is noteworthy that the recent study was observational, and did not prove that xylitol alone increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, without another factor.
It is dangerous to our health.
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