Source : Perth Now news
Chewing sugar-free gum could come with an unexpected health risk, as scientists warn that high levels of the sweetener xylitol may raise the chances of a heart attack or stroke.
German researchers found people with the highest levels of xylitol circulating in their blood had a significantly greater risk of major cardiovascular problems than those with the lowest levels.
Over a six-year follow-up, their risk of heart attack, stroke or premature death was 57 per cent higher, even after factors including age, sex, smoking and high blood pressure were taken into account.
After 30 years, the risk remained 18 per cent higher.
The study, led by scientists at Charite University Hospital in Berlin, analysed data from 17,710 people over three decades.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol naturally produced in the body, but it is also widely added to sugar-free chewing gum, mints, drinks and other products because it contains fewer calories than sugar.
It is also popular in oral care products because it can reduce bacteria linked to cavities and tooth decay.
However, previous research has suggested that large amounts of xylitol could make blood more prone to clotting, potentially increasing the risk of dangerous blockages.
Presenting the findings at the European Society of Cardiology congress, Dr Marco Witkowski said previous research had already linked high blood xylitol levels with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke within three years.
His team wanted to investigate whether the association persisted over a much longer period.
Dr Witkowski said: “Artificial sweeteners are consumed by people who think they are healthier than sugar and they are generally regarded as safe by regulatory agencies.”
He added that the findings demonstrated “how little we know” about the long-term safety of such additives.
Per the Daily Mail, Professor Dan Atar, of the ESC Communication Committee, said: “Artificial sweeteners are widely embraced by modern society, and their safety ratings have traditionally been considered good by regulatory authorities.
“In this observational work, however, it appears that xylitol has a negative long-term effect on cardiovascular events.”
The researchers stressed that their findings show an association and do not prove that xylitol causes heart attacks or strokes.
Further studies will be needed to establish whether the sweetener itself is responsible for the increased risk.
The findings also come amid growing scrutiny of artificial sweeteners, with previous research linking some additives to potential problems involving metabolism and gut health.
