Xylitol linked to higher heart attack risk

High levels of the common artificial sweetener xylitol in the blood are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, according to a large-scale study presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual congress in Munich. The research, which analyzed data from over 17,000 people, found that individuals with the highest xylitol levels had a 57% greater risk of major cardiovascular events over a six-year period compared to those with the lowest levels. The findings were presented by Dr. Marco Witkowski of Charité University Hospital in Berlin.