RismadarVoice Reporters, August 27, 2026
A commonly used artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free foods, drinks and oral care products has been linked to an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, according to new research.
The sweetener, known as xylitol, is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a substitute for sugar. It can be found in products such as sugar-free chewing gum, sweets, beverages and some dental care products.
Researchers analysed data from 17,710 participants involved in two large observational studies — the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Ageing and the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk study.
The study found that participants with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood had a higher risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes and death, compared with those who had the lowest levels.
In the Canadian study, which followed participants for six years, people with the highest xylitol levels had a 57 per cent higher risk of a major cardiovascular event after researchers accounted for factors including age, sex, smoking, cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.
In the European study, which followed participants for 30 years, those with the highest xylitol levels had an 18 per cent higher risk compared with participants in the lowest group.
Researchers also reported a dose-dependent relationship, meaning the apparent cardiovascular risk increased as blood levels of xylitol increased.
However, scientists cautioned that the findings do not establish that xylitol directly causes heart attacks or strokes because the research was observational.
Dr Marco Witkowski of Charité University Hospital in Berlin said the findings highlight the need for further research into the long-term cardiovascular safety of xylitol, particularly as its use in consumer products continues to increase.
Nutritionist Kirsty Thomas, who was not involved in the research, also urged people not to make sudden dietary changes based on the findings of a single study.
The research is expected to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2026, where researchers and healthcare professionals will further examine the findings and their implications for the use of artificial sweeteners.
