A new study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic discovered a concerning link between the sugar substitute xylitol and an increased risk of heart disorders such as heart attacks and strokes. People who consume sugar-free candies, gum, baked goods, or toothpaste may be more likely to have cardiac problems. Xylitol is used in these items.

Dr. Stanley Hazen spearheaded a comprehensive study, encompassing a large number of cases and comprising both preclinical research and a clinical intervention study. The published findings in the European Heart Journal conclusively demonstrate that patients with elevated xylitol levels in their blood are significantly more prone to experiencing heart attacks and strokes.

Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, serves as a low-calorie sweetener present in many sugar-free products. The prevalence of sugar substitutes in foods marketed as healthy has surged over the past decade. In the United States, erythritol is typically favored over xylitol in keto and sugar-free products, although xylitol maintains greater popularity in some regions.

Dr. Hazen, Chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at the Lerner Study Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, stated that these sugar alternatives require further investigation. "This study once again shows how important it is to look into sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners right away," Dr. Hazen stated. "This is especially true since these substances are still suggested as ways to fight obesity and diabetes."

He said, "That doesn't mean you should throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that eating something with high levels of it could make blood clot-related events more likely."

Over 3,000 people from the United States and Europe participated in the study. Those with the highest amounts of xylitol in their blood had a much increased risk of developing cardiac issues over the next three years. Researchers discovered that xylitol causes platelets to clot more easily. This can result in thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form within blood vessels. People who consumed xylitol-sweetened drinks exhibited higher levels of blood clotting activity than those who drank glucose-sweetened beverages.

The researchers stated that their study did not demonstrate a direct correlation between causes and outcomes, but rather an association. They recommend that consumers consult their doctors or chefs about how to choose nutritious dishes.

Dr. Hazen's team is still studying the various factors that increase the risk of heart disease. As part of his groundbreaking research, he discovered that bacteria in the gut might cause cardiac and metabolic diseases. He also directs the Cleveland Clinic's Centre for Microbiome and Human Health.