Common sweetener in toothpaste linked to increased risk of stroke, heart disease: study

A common sweetener found in toothpaste, biscuits, and gums may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to a recent study.

A research by the Cleveland Clinic highlighted that xylitol is a widely used sweetener in low-sugar products, which can cause blood clots, leading to heart or brain damage.

Broken blood clots can travel to the heart or brain, causing heart attack or stroke. The recent study was published in the European Heart Journal.

The research examined over 3,000 patients from the US and Europe and found that those who are consuming high xylitol faced a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular issues within the next three years.

They gave participants a common beverage containing xylitol to measure how much it impacted their glucose levels. The levels showed a dramatic 1000-fold increase.

The researcher also noticed blood clotting after xylitol consumption through an experiment, which further supported their findings. 

President of the Calorie Control Council Carla Saunders highlighted that "the results of this study are contrary to decades of scientific evidence substantiating the safety and efficacy of low-calorie sweeteners such as xylitol.

"These findings are a disservice to those who rely on alternative sweeteners as a tool to improve their health," she added. 

Emphasising the significance of study, Dr Hazen, who leads cardiovascular and metabolic research at the Clinic's Lerner Institute, said, "This study shows the immediate need for investigating sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, especially as they continue to be recommended in combating conditions like obesity or diabetes."

"It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events."