Birch sugar may pose a potential risk to heart health.
Individuals seeking to cut back on caloric intake frequently opt for sugar alternatives, one of which is birch sugar, also referred to as xylitol or xylit. Nonetheless, recent research hints at an association between high xylitol consumption and potential heart issues.
A group of scientists led by cardiologist Marco Witkowski from the German Heart Center of Charité in Berlin, Germany, in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, United States, has made this discovery.
This research involved analyzing blood samples from over 3,300 heart-circulation patients from both the United States and the United Kingdom. The patients were also monitored for a period of three years. Meanwhile, tests were also performed on healthy individuals. Upon examining the data, the researchers determined that individuals with higher xylitol concentrations in their bloodstream experienced higher rates of strokes or heart attacks. More specifically, the risk of severe heart incidents rose by 57% for those with elevated xylitol levels, as per the team's statement from the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). The cause? Xylitol enhances blood platelet reactivity, promoting blood clot formation and, thus, increasing the likelihood of heart-circulation ailments.
Location and Characteristics
Xylitol, or xylit, is a naturally occurring compound found in specific fruit, vegetable, and mushroom varieties, as well as within the human body. Initially extracted from the bark of the birch tree, the sugar substitute's nickname "birch sugar" comes from this origin. The food industry, therefore, often designates it as a "natural sweetener."
Compared to other sugar substitutes, xylitol boasts several advantageous attributes. It has a comparable consistency to table sugar, imparts the same level of sweetness, and offers fewer calories. Dissimilar to other sugar substitutes, xylitol doesn't leave a bitter aftertaste. Thanks to its positive effect on texture, moisture, and shelf life of products, it's highly valued in the industry and regularly utilized. As a food additive, it's classified as E967. Xylitol is additionally reported to have dental health advantages, which is why this relatively costly sugar substitute is also found in chewing gum, toothpaste, and candies.
Issues with Erythritol, Too
However, it's not just the well-liked birch sugar; the sweetener erythritol likewise raises the potential for cardiovascular events. The team had already reported on this in a 2023 publication. Both substances belong to the classification of sugar alcohols.
"Our studies demonstrate the potential risks of xylitol and reveal that sweeteners are not necessarily the harmless alternative to sugar they're often assumed to be," remarked Witkowski. "Especially for people with existing heart-circulatory risks, consuming xylitol can carry additional health hazards. It's essential that consumers be aware of these perils and reconsider their consumption of these sweeteners. In instances of uncertainties, they should consult their physician or dietitian."
Given the widespread use of xylitol in foodstuffs and oral care products, it's crucial for the study's authors to continue exploring its potential health uncertainties. The findings of the study were published in the "European Heart Journal."
