Xylitol in gum and mints raises heart attack risk 57%, study finds

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialAugust 26, 2026 at 06:03 PM

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Xylitol in gum and mints raises heart attack risk 57%, study finds

A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress found that people with high blood levels of xylitol had a 57% higher risk of major cardiovascular events over six years. The sweetener, common in gum, mints and diet products, makes blood more prone to clotting. The findings come as other sweeteners face scrutiny over cancer and gut health risks.

Key Facts

Researchers led by Dr. Marco Witkowski of Berlin Charité University Hospital analyzed health data from 17,710 participants over 30 years.
People with high xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of major cardiovascular events during a six-year follow-up.
Over the 30-year period, the increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death was 18%.
High xylitol intake makes blood denser and stickier, directly raising the risk of clots in vital organs.
The World Health Organization classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen in 2023.

Study Findings

The study was presented at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Dr. Marco Witkowski led the research team from Berlin Charité University Hospital. The analysis covered 17,710 participants over a 30-year period. Participants with high blood xylitol levels faced a 57% higher risk of major cardiovascular events within six years. The 30-year risk increase for heart attack, stroke or death was 18%.

Mechanism and Expert Reaction

High xylitol intake disrupts blood fluidity, making blood denser and stickier. This directly raises the risk of clotting in vital organs. Dr. Witkowski stated the findings prove limited knowledge about long-term sweetener effects. ESC Communications Committee member Prof. Dan Atar highlighted xylitol's negative impact on heart health.

Other Sweetener Warnings

Sorbitol, used in ice cream and candies, was linked to liver fat accumulation and increased cancer risk in a 2025 Science Signaling study. The World Health Organization classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen in 2023. Cambridge University researchers report that such sweeteners harm beneficial gut bacteria.

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Xylitol in gum and mints raises heart attack risk 57%, study finds

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Xylitol in gum and mints raises heart attack risk 57%, study finds

Key Facts

Study Findings

Mechanism and Expert Reaction

Other Sweetener Warnings

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