CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. Xylitol looks and tastes like sugar but has fewer calories and doesnt raise blood sugar levels. Your mouth, nose and ears are all interconnected. In the case of xylitol, this is generally experienced as gastrointestinal disturbances. Even though sugar alcohols are technically carbohydrates, most of them do not raise blood sugar levels and thereby dont count as net carbs, making them popular sweeteners in low-carb products (2). For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. One study in children with recurring ear infections observed that daily usage of xylitol-sweetened chewing gum reduced their infection rate by 40% (20). Also, be cautious with sugar alcohols including mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. They added that globally, 6.3 million individuals died in 2020 from cancers of the esophagus, throat, larynx, colon, rectum, liver, and breast (this applied to breast cancer in women, though men can get breast cancer, too). It has a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar substitute. Doctors don't know of any interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. Most sugar alcohols have this possible effect, with the only exception being erythritol. The sugar replacement appears to keep Streptococcus pneumoniae from attaching to tissue and building colonies. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Niemela M. A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Sorbitol is a polyol found in many fruits and berries. Whitehouse Station: Merck Research Laboratories, 1996. Many people link nicotine to cancer, especially lung cancer. BVO is a toxic chemical that is banned in many countries because it competes with iodine for receptor sites in the body, which can lead to hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Long-term consumption of xylitol does appear to be completely safe. The Pet Poison Helpline. Xylitol is a chemical compound with the formula C 5 H 12 O 5, or HO(CH 2)(CHOH) 3 (CH 2)OH; specifically, one particular stereoisomer with that structural formula. IARC Monographs Priorities Group. mutans, bacteria that cause tooth decay. In contrast, a study published by the American Association for Cancer Research shows how researchers found that lab rats with pre-existing tumors experienced significantly less tumor growth when given a 10% IV solution of xylitol as opposed to that of regular table sugar. Everything added to food in the US. Llaha F, Gil-Lespinard M, Unal P, et al. Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Sant population-based cohort study. You block it with xylitol. Azarpazhooh A, Lawrence HP, Shah PS. View abstract. Most European countries have either banned hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils altogether or have instituted future dates for elimination for use in foods. Splenda may act as a laxative because it alters the bacteria in your gut, particularly the good bacteria. Xylitol can be processed from trees like birch or from a plant fiber called xylan (1). Xylitol's effects on the human body have been studied for decades, and no evidence exists that xylitol causes cancer. Worst? Key Point: Xylitol does not raise blood sugar levels, which gives it an advantage over sugar for better glycemic control. August 2016. This is because it is absorbed more slowly by the body. 2022 May 11;14(10):2023. doi: 10.3390/nu14102023. View abstract. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Kennedy L, Sandhu JK, Harper ME, Cuperlovic-Culf M. Biomolecules. Research tells us that xylitol may be able to help prevent cavities because it cannot be metabolized by plaque bacteria, unlike other forms of sugar. We also observed that xylitol efficiently sensitized cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. After absorbing xylitol, they are unable to take up glucose meaning that their energy-producing pathway is clogged and they end up dying. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Xylitol is a low-calorie sweetener. Anaphylaxis to xylitol diagnosed by skin prick test and basophil activation test. While these bacteria cannot use xylitol for fuel, they still ingest it. Though the word alcohol is part of its name, its not the same alcohol that makes you drunk. As a result, those who have issues in this area should avoid it for that reason alone. Improving oral health and modulating the oral microbiome to reduce bloodstream infections from oral organisms in pediatric and young adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:98-100. People with diabetes sometimes use xylitol as a sugar substitute. Gales MA, Nguyen TM. View abstract. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials in adults found that substituting low- and no-calorie sweetened beverages for sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with small improvements in body weight (10). J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. Merck Index, 12th ed. Sugary drink consumption and risk of cancer: Results from NutriNet-Sant prospective cohort. 5 Reasons to Add Lamb Meat to Your Diet, St. Johns Wort Benefits for Depression, PMS & Menopause. However, the same cannot be said for dogs. All rights reserved. Several studies suggest that it has various important benefits, including improved dental health. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. It is also unclear whether xylitol acts on cancer suppression in vivo as well as in vitro. No data is available to prove its carcinogenic effect. Dogs that ingest doses of >0.1 g/kg of xylitol are at Part 101.80 - Health claims: dietary noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners and dental caries. Decades of research have proven that Xylitol has no toxicity in humans. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. Next to minor GI complaints, weight gain is the most heavily researched side effect to consuming xylitol and other artificial sweeteners. When used in regular dental care, xylitol works against Strep. [13] Anticancer Potential Laryngoscope 2011;121:2468-72. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, looks and tastes like sugar but has fewer calories and doesnt raise blood sugar levels. Certain cancers and cancer treatments can cause nausea. Chazelas E, Srour B, Desmetz E, et al. Nickel is a toxin linked to cancer. Keywords: But which is the better option? View abstract. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure. Most epidemiologic studies have used consumption of artificially sweetened beverages as a proxy for (that is, a way for researchers to estimate) artificial sweetener intake. Meyer-Gerspach AC, Drewe J, Verbeure W, et al. Thats less than the amount contained in a single piece of chewing gum. Studies have determined that xylitol boosts dental health and helps prevent tooth decay (10). First of all, substances such as erythritol and xylitol are created using mostly waste products and GMO substances. One of the leading risk factors for tooth decay is an oral bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. Copyright 2020 The Authors. Xylitol may inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes ear and nasal infections. at the National Institutes of Health, An official website of the United States government, Six artificial sweeteners are approved as food additives by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), three plant- or fruit-based high-intensity sweeteners to be generally recognized as safe, some studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners are associated with obesity, obesity is in turn linked to at least 13 types of cancer, overweight and obesity, which have been linked to at least 13 types of cancer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bachhawat AK, Yadav S, Jainarayanan AK, Dubey P. Biochem J. Can the pentitol-hexitol theory explain the clinical observations made with xylitol? It may be an effective defense, Drinking hot water is a great way to stay hydrated, and it might have extra health benefits. In 2019, an advisory group of 29 scientists from 18 countries gave aspartame a high priority for review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs program during 20202024 (1). There is no current evidence that erythritol causes cancer, but as it is a relatively new NNS, further research is needed. Although it has less of an impact than cane sugar, it has been reported that sugar alcohols can raise blood glucose levels, which suggests that diabetics shouldnt consume it. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(3):CD010743. This can be very dangerous, but can be corrected by providing intravenous dextrose (a.k.a sugar) at a veterinary hospital. Lin L, Tang X, Wei J, Dai F, Sun G. Xylitol nasal irrigation in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. It has a chemical structure that looks like a cross between a sugar and an alcohol, but it is neither. Applying 5% xylitol and 5% glycerol to dry skin for 14 days increases skin hydration, reduces moisture loss, and improves the thickness of the skin so it's better protected against injury. What have studies shown about possible associations between specific artificial sweeteners and cancer in people? For many people xylitol doesnt cause these negative effects. The rocky road of xylitol to its clinical application. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Xylitol is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods, but is also found in a variety of other products. Nicotine is one of many chemicals in raw tobacco leaves. Whereas some sweeteners may cause health risks, studies show that xylitol has actual health benefits. This can help prevent dental cavities and inflammatory gum diseases. In addition to keeping gum with xylitol away from pets, be sure to read your pets food labels, and never feed pets your table scraps if they have xylitol in them. 2020 Oct 9;10(10):1429. doi: 10.3390/biom10101429. Prevention of cavities (tooth decay) Dry mouth Xylitol dosage forms carton 40 melts of mild mint 40 melts of slightly sweet According to one report, the key to avoiding xylitol problems is only consuming a low dosage. Randomized controlled study of aerosolized hypertonic xylitol versus hypertonic saline in hospitalized patients with pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis. Identification of a novel component leading to anti-tumor activity besides the major ingredient cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris extract. Avoid higher doses. Diarrhea and gas are common side effects of xylitol. National Cancer Institute Xylitol is commonly used to prevent cavities by stopping the growth of certain bacteria in your mouth that break down your teeth. The amount tolerated varies with individual susceptibility and body weight. This fast release of insulin results in a quick decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that occurs within 1060 minutes of eating the xylitol. It is cut with xylitol and disease-causing fillers like dextrose and sugar. Currently, most xylitol is produced by hydrogenating xylose, a chemical process that treats a compound with hydrogen usually with a catalyst, such as nickel. Specifically, it is a skin irritant and there are risks for asthma/respiratory issues and cancer. Keeps the skin healthy and hydrated. Thus, xylitol boosts the efficacy of ear and nasal sinus infection treatments such as nasal irrigation. Xylitol administered only during respiratory infections failed to prevent acute otitis media. J Public Health Dent 2011;71:117-24. 1. Many dentists recommend using xylitol-sweetened chewing gum and for good reason. While there were earlier studies suggesting a possible increased risk of brain tumors, lymphoma, and leukemia with aspartame, eventually the National Cancer Institute concluded those theories were incorrect and that the artificial sweetener does not increase cancer risk ( 32 ). View abstract. Year. Below are some of the reasons that sugar alcohols like xylitol are not recommended by some experts for human consumption: Sugar alcohols are notorious for triggering GI issues because they pull water into your intestine and also get fermented by gut bacteria. They have several health benefits but can also cause digestive problems. Those taking xylitol reported bloating, gas, upset stomach and diarrhea. Xylitol can cause diarrhea and intestinal gas. . Food and Chemical Toxicology 2013; 60:109115. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life threatening. Chemically, sugar alcohols combine traits of sugar molecules and alcohol molecules. Prevention of dental caries in children from birth through age 5 years: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. The amount of xylitol used in food and health products varies greatly. Xylitol is the sweetest of all sugar alcohols but has about 40% fewer calories than regular. Oral Health Prev Dent 2016;14:459-466. Xylitol side effects also include constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi, colic, increased bowel movements and weight gain. J Nat Sci Biol Med 2017;8:16-21. In one study, people consumed an average of 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) of xylitol per month with a maximum daily intake of over 30 tablespoons (400 grams) without any negative effects (29). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Aluckal E, Ankola AV. Sugar alcohols are safe for people with alcohol addictions. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucm115326.htm. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016 Aug 3;(8):CD007095. Xylitol may cause digestive upset in some people, but high doses are well tolerated by others. Epub 2017 Jul 19. At this point, there is no research proving that the process used to create xylitol is harmful, but there are known concerns regarding consumption of hydrogenated foods and also nickel. However, dont take OTC medications for diarrhea if your symptoms also include fever or blood in your stool. Our syndication services page shows you how. Acute Hepatic Failure in a Dog after Xylitol Ingestion. Xylitol has a few potential unexpected benefits: It may have the potential to increase collagen synthesis and improve skin strength and smoothness when consumed internally and even to help improve bone density with long term use. It can be classified as a polyalcohol and a sugar alcohol, specifically an alditol.The name derives from Ancient Greek: , xyl[on] 'wood', with . However, when chemical compounds like xylitol are consumed, the body cannot utilize them, so they travel through your GI tract relatively unscathed. All rights reserved. And for some people, sugar alcohols may cause diarrhea. Yet, just because something is natural doesnt mean that it is good for you. Therefore, bacteria that live in the mouth can end up causing ear infections a common problem in children. Laboratory studies have also linked saccharin at high doses with the development of bladder cancer in rats, and in 1981 saccharin was listed in the US National Toxicology Programs Report on Carcinogens as a substance reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Does Xylitol Cause Cancer. It has been studied extensively and is generally considered safe for human consumption. It's nearly as sweet as sugar (sucrose), but has fewer calories. In one study, xylitol-sweetened chewing gum reduced levels of bad bacteria by 2775%, while friendly bacteria levels remained constant (13). A higher concentration of xylitol (8.26%) was also shown to reduce skin irritation. It's also used to treat dry mouth by helping you make more saliva. No, there is no scientific evidence that suggests xylitol causes cancer. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with a unique five-carbon structure. Daniel Fast: Benefits for Your Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health, 15 Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut and Overall Health, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism, Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin Health, Cholesterol & More. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. In that case, I feel like I wouldn't recommend sugar . Xylitol may increase collagen production and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. However, your body seems to adjust very well to xylitol. Sucralose 2017. Would you like email updates of new search results? When non-primate species consume this substance, its absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and releases a potent amount of insulin from the pancreas. Xylitol does not have carcinogenic effects because it is not fermented into carcinogenic acid end products. Xylitol has some similarities to other natural or alternative sweeteners, including kinds called: Steviais an herbal plant that belongs to theAsteraceaefamily. Six artificial sweeteners are approved as food additives by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium (acesulfame-K, or Ace-K), sucralose, neotame, and advantame. It's a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gums, mints, and oral care products like toothpaste. Erythritol does not have carcinogenic properties. Some types of gum or oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, also contain xylitol. Xylitol is categorized as a sugar alcohol. FDA: Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs. In 2022, the NutriNet-Sant cohort study reported that adults who consumed higher amounts of aspartame were slightly more likely to develop cancer overall (1.15 times the risk), breast cancer (1.22 times the risk), and obesity-related cancers (1.15 times the risk) than those who did not consume aspartame ( 4 ). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Xylitol is mostly safe, especially if taken in amounts found in food. These side effects can affect anyone, but small children and people with gastrointestinal . Tang JY, Ou-Yang F, Hou MF, Huang HW, Wang HR, Li KT, Fayyaz S, Shu CW, Chang HW. Ruma IM, Putranto EW, Kondo E, Watanabe R, Saito K, Inoue Y, Yamamoto K, Nakata S, Kaihata M, Murata H, Sakaguchi M. Int J Oncol. 13 Simple Ways to Stop Eating Lots of Sugar. Xylitol may also have detrimental effects on liver function in dogs, with high doses causing liver failure (27). Bope, E. Conn's Current Therapy 2013, Saunders Elsevier, 2013. While xylitol does provide a few carbohydrates and a low amount of calories, these shouldnt interfere with your ability to stay in ketosis, assuming you dont eat it in large amounts. are clickable links to these studies. . 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. This can cause low blood sugar levels and liver damage. Data suggest that more than ten grams of xylitol sweetener daily can cause these GI symptoms. Those detailed dietary records allowed the researchers to estimate the total intake of all artificial sweeteners combined. This article examines xylitol and its health effects. Sugar Alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, mannitol, erythritol, maltitol) These are not classified as low-calorie sweeteners, but they have slightly fewer calories than table sugar. Because artificial sweeteners are many times sweeter than table sugar, much smaller amounts (200 to 20,000 times less) are needed to create the same level of sweetness. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants. Cavities. A substance called xylitol is making thousands of dog sick and even causing death, affecting more pets now than ever before, and it's probably in your home right now. If reading food labels is part of your shopping experience, you may have come across the mysterious ingredient called xylitol.