Another Sugar Substitute Raises Heart Concerns

If you use sugar substitutes to cut calories or reduce your sugar intake, you may want to take a closer look at the ingredient label. New research is raising questions about xylitol, a popular sugar alcohol found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, toothpaste and other products.

The recent study found that people with higher levels of xylitol in their blood had a greater risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Xylitol also appeared to make blood platelets more likely to form clots, which could help explain the connection.

Xylitol isn't the only sweetener attracting attention. Erythritol, another sugar alcohol, has also been associated with cardiovascular risk in research, while aspartame has been classified by the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency as “possibly carcinogenic.” (The FDA continues to consider aspartame safe when consumed within established limits.)

So, what should you use instead? Rather than swapping one highly processed sweetener for another, consider gradually cutting back on your overall preference for sweetness. When you want something sweet, opt for naturally sweet foods like fruit. For occasional cooking or baking, small amounts of regular sugar, honey or maple syrup may be reasonable, but still do add sugar to your diet.

The biggest thing to remember is that “sugar-free” doesn’t automatically mean “healthier.” Reading labels, limiting highly processed foods and choosing whole foods more often can be a better strategy for protecting your heart and your overall health.