Experts say normal xylitol use poses no cause for concern

Experts say people do not need to fear normal xylitol use, which does not raise blood xylitol levels, Yle reported. Elevated levels are typically linked to a metabolic disorder, they said.

Studies reported around the turn of August and September suggested that high levels of xylitol in the blood could be associated with serious cardiovascular events. But experts say the studies have shortcomings that prevent conclusions about harm from xylitol.

Ursula Schwab, a professor of nutritional therapy, said the research did not establish whether participants had used xylitol products. It measured only their blood levels, and the body naturally produces xylitol during normal metabolism.

Eva Söderling, an associate professor at the University of Turku’s department of dentistry, and Schwab said xylitol does not build up in the blood when used as recommended. Söderling added that the recent studies did not account for metabolic disorders that can cause blood xylitol levels to rise.

Schwab said xylitol has been used in Finland for decades, with no evidence of a link to cardiovascular events. She pointed instead to high intake of saturated fat and salt, diabetes and smoking as major health concerns.