Xylitol is a sugar substitute. It is a "natural" product (not an artificial sweetener) found in various plants such as raspberries and strawberries. Most commercial xylitol is made from birch trees. It is often used in sugar-free candies and gums. Medicinally, xylitol is claimed to be helpful for preventing dental cavities, treating dry mouth, and
preventing ear infections in young children.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol. It does not contain any carbohydrates, but it is not calorie-free (although it contains fewer calories than sugar). It is useful as a sugar substitute for people with
diabetes because it does not cause the significant rise in blood glucose (blood sugar) caused by real sugar. Nor does it seem to affect
insulin levels in humans.
Xylitol may prevent dental cavities in several ways. It seems to decrease the level of certain cavity-causing bacteria in the saliva and dental
plaque. It also decreases the acid production by the bacteria, decreases the stickiness of the bacteria, increases saliva flow, and increases
calcium and phosphate in the saliva. All these actions can help to prevent cavities. Interestingly, habitually chewing gum with this sugar substitute can help mothers reduce the chance of transmitting cavity-causing bacteria to their young infants.
Xylitol may also inhibit bacterial growth (since most bacteria cannot use it as a source of energy), which might be why it may be useful for preventing
ear infections.
This sugar substitute is indeed effective for decreasing dental cavities when used properly. Early evidence suggests that it might also help prevent
ear infections in young children, although more research is necessary to confirm these findings.
There are no clearly established dosing guidelines for xylitol, although some information about dosing is available based on clinical studies and practical experience
(click Xylitol Dosage for more information).
Although it is a "natural" product, xylitol can still cause side effects. Some of the more commonly reported side effects (especially with high doses) include:
(Click Xylitol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Are There Safety Concerns With Xylitol?
Xylitol appears to be a safe sugar substitute. Although very high doses have caused problems in laboratory animals, similar problems have not been seen in humans. However, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking any sugar substitute if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Is Xylitol Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
Overconsumption is likely to cause
diarrhea and gas. Very high doses given by IV have been shown to cause a few different problems. If you think you may have taken too much xylitol, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Xylitol Be Stored?
It is essential to keep all xylitol products away from pets, as they can cause dangerously low blood sugar, liver failure, and death in dogs.
