What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol close to the sweetness of sugar, but with half the calories. Along with erythritol, xylitol might be the most popular sugar alcohol. Xylitol is used in many sugar-free chewing gums or mints and is known for its ability to prevent cavities.
Xylitol naturally occurs in several fruits and vegetables. Usually, xylitol is commercially produced from corn or tree bark to use as a sugar substitute in products like candy, bubble gum, yogurt, and toothpaste.
Although sugar alcohols have molecular structures similar to drinking alcohol, sugar alcohols cannot get you drunk. Sugar alcohols are safe for individuals battling alcohol addiction.
Table sugar has approximately 3.75 calories per gram, whereas xylitol contains 2.4 calories per gram. Xylitol has about 60% of the calories of table sugar.
Xylitol is the sweetest sugar alcohol at about 95% the sweetness of table sugar.
Is xylitol safe in chewing gum?
Yes, xylitol is safe in chewing gum. In moderation, it is safe for diabetics and individuals on the keto diet. But don’t eat more than two or three pieces of xylitol chewing gum in a day — overconsumption may lead to bloating or a rise in blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Xylitol
A major benefit to sugar substitutes like xylitol is the reduction of added sugars from your diet. Added sugars are categorically bad for you: The more added sugar you consume, the higher your risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and death. Xylitol should not replace good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth and flossing, but it’s still a great way to support oral health.
1. Boosts Dental Health
Xylitol is well known for boosting dental health. More than any other health benefit of xylitol, this one is supported by scientific research.
Sugar alcohols do not contribute to tooth decay, like sugar does. But xylitol, in particular, has been shown to prevent tooth decay (cavities).
In 2003, scientists found that xylitol may be associated with a decrease in harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which is a significant contributor to tooth decay.
Xylitol prevents cavity formation, not only by starving harmful bacteria of the sugar they crave, but also decreasing the number of harmful bacteria in your oral microbiome. This is one reason you can chew sweet-tasting xylitol gum, and it is still good for your dental health.
2. Low Glycemic Index & Blood Sugar Impact
Xylitol can be consumed in moderation while on the keto diet or if you have diabetes. This is because xylitol is low on the glycemic index and has a low blood sugar impact.
Glycemic index (GI) describes how much a certain substance affects your blood glucose levels. Pure glucose has a GI of 100 out of 100. Table sugar (AKA sucrose) has a GI of 60. Even though xylitol tastes almost as sweet as regular sugar, xylitol has a fraction of the GI.
Xylitol has a GI between 7-13 out of 100. This means that xylitol has little effect on your blood glucose levels, and is mostly safe for people on the keto diet or with diabetes.
Xylitol should only be consumed in moderation, since it does have a small effect on your blood sugar. But a couple pieces of gum a day are unlikely to cause a spike in your blood sugar.
3. Reduces Ear Infections
Research indicates that xylitol inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause ear infections.
This 2001 study concludes that “xylitol is the only commercially used sugar substitute proven to have an antimicrobial effect on pneumococci,” such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria can cause acute otitis media (a common type of middle ear infection).
A 2011 review (updated in 2016) found 4 clinical trials with moderate quality evidence to suggest that xylitol reduces the risk of middle ear infection by up to 30%.
This is one reason some parents use xylitol as a substitute sugar in feeding bottles for their young children.
4. May Prevent Oral Thrush
Oral thrush (AKA oral candidiasis) refers to raised, white, sore patches in your mouth or on your tongue. Oral thrush is usually caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
Xylitol seems to be able to neutralize Candida fungi. A recent in vitro study shows that xylitol may be an effective treatment for this fungal infection.
Xylitol may also be useful in treating mixed infections, such as when you get a Candida fungal infection along with a bacterial infection.
5. Promotes Gut Health
Gut health is important to your everyday health. A huge portion of your immune system is present in your gut — a healthy gut usually signals a healthy immune system.
Animal studies show that xylitol may neutralize harmful bacteria in your gut microbiome, much like it can in your oral microbiome. This allows probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to grow in your gut, promoting overall gut health.
However, consuming too many sugar alcohols in a day can lead to gastrointestinal distress and even negative changes in gut bacteria. Take this health benefit with a grain of salt.
6. May Slow Aging
Aging is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it’s a fixed process.
As you age, your body produces less and less collagen, a protein that makes your skin smooth and taut. Your natural collagen production starts to slow down around the age of 25.
An animal study shows that xylitol may increase new collagen production.
Oxidative stress can speed the impact of aging. When free radicals are not neutralized by antioxidants, oxidants chemically impact your body — a process called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, which contributes to aging.
A recent animal study concludes that xylitol has strong antioxidant potential, possibly because xylitol stimulates glutathione production. Glutathione is the “mother of all antioxidants”.
7. Supports Healthy Bones
Healthy bones are important for your health. Xylitol seems to support healthy bones throughout your body.
An animal study concludes that dietary xylitol may lead to increased bone volume and bone mineral content — both important for bone health in older individuals. This indicates that the use of xylitol could protect against osteoporosis and age-related bone deterioration.
Another way xylitol may indirectly support healthy bones is the way it influences the way your gut metabolizes a phytoestrogen (plant estrogen) called daidzein. Daidzein, found richly in soybeans and other legumes, converts to equol in the gut and is important for preventing bone loss especially for women before and during menopause.
Xylitol increases the metabolism of daidzein for more equol production.
Xylitol Gum Benefits
With all the health benefits xylitol has to offer, dentists often recommend chewing xylitol gum 20 minutes after meals to promote dental health.
Chewing gums help produce saliva, which is good for your oral health, since dry mouth may increase your risk of tooth decay and infection. Xylitol gum, in particular, starves the harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to fewer bacteria and less tooth decay.
What is the best brand of xylitol gum?
- Spry Xylitol Chewing Gum (manufactured by Xlear) is only sweetened by xylitol, and contains 0.9 grams of xylitol. Spry xylitol gum tastes great and comes in flavors like spearmint, peppermint, fresh fruit, cinnamon, and green tea.
- Epic Dental Xylitol Gum contains 1.06 grams of xylitol. Some report Epic Dental xylitol gum loses its taste more quickly than other brands.
- PUR Gum Aspartame Free is sweetened with 1.1 grams of xylitol per piece, and it contains few other ingredients, including two non-GMO natural flavors. PUR is all about reduction of unnatural ingredients, making this a great choice for ingredient-conscious consumers. However, customers sometimes complain that PUR gum crushes very easily and isn’t very “chewy” after a short time.
- Lotte Xylitol Chewing Gum is reported to be the sweetest of any of the gums listed here, though its taste is not as long-lasting as the Spry gum. Lotte is manufactured in South Korea, in 90-piece bottles. It contains mostly xylitol as a sweetener. The most popular flavor of Lotte is applemint.
- Trident Sugar Free Gum with Xylitol contains several sugar alcohols including xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol. Trident also uses artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame, both of which may come with health risks. Trident does come in many different flavors, and they sell very well, but Trident’s use of xylitol along with other less healthy sweeteners is questionable. Mannitol, for instance, may spike blood sugar very similarly to table sugar.
- Orbit Sugar Free Gum uses xylitol and has under 5 calories per piece — though the calories and amount of xylitol varies wildly from flavor to flavor. Orbit chewing gum typically uses a very small amount of xylitol per piece, and contains other sweeteners in higher concentrations, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and aspartame.
Which gum has the most xylitol? PUR Gum has the most xylitol in their chewing gum. PUR Gum Aspartame Free has 1.1 grams of xylitol in each piece along with a few other ingredients to dilute xylitol’s sweetness and health benefits.
Potential Side Effects & Dosage of Xylitol
Most of the side effects of xylitol are also the side effects of all sugar alcohols. These are rare unless you consume very large amounts but may be slightly more common if you start consuming xylitol for the first time.
Side effects of sugar alcohols include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gut microbiome issues
According to human trials, xylitol seems to cause these side effects less often than other sugar alcohols.
Xylitol Is Toxic to Dogs
A warning for all canine lovers: xylitol is dangerously toxic to dogs.
Although xylitol is safe and well-tolerated in humans, a dog’s body confuses xylitol for sugar. This can lead to higher insulin levels and lower blood sugar, which can be fatal.
If your household has a dog, do not keep xylitol products lying around. If your dog likes to get into things while you’re not looking, maybe pass up xylitol altogether.
Should you chew xylitol gum?
If it fits your overall health goals, yes, you should chew xylitol gum because it’s good for your dental health, as sweet as sugar, and has half the calories.
Every individual should decide to chew xylitol gum on a case by case basis. For some, xylitol gum will help improve their oral health and cut down on calories from sugary gum. For others, xylitol gum may be unnecessary or dangerous to pets in the house.
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Xylitol Facts
- Xylitol is a natural sweetener with surprising health benefits.
- Where sugar can lead to poor oral hygiene, xylitol seems to improvedental healthand help prevent cavities.
- Since xylitol is a sugar alcohol, it contains less calories than sugar.
- Xylitol gum is toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Read next: 5 Ways to Curb Your Sugar Cravings
Sources
- Janakiram, C., Kumar, C. D., & Joseph, J. (2017). Xylitol in preventing dental caries: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, 8(1), 16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5320817/
- Lynch, H., & Milgrom, P. (2003). Xylitol and dental caries: an overview for clinicians. CDA, 31(3), 205-210. Full text: https://www.spiffies.com/v/PDF/xylitol_abstracts.pdf
- Nayak, P. A., Nayak, U. A., & Khandelwal, V. (2014). The effect of xylitol on dental caries and oral flora. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 6, 89. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232036/
- Tapiainen, T., Kontiokari, T., Sammalkivi, L., Ikäheimo, I., Koskela, M., & Uhari, M. (2001). Effect of xylitol on growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the presence of fructose and sorbitol. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 45(1), 166-169. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC90255/
- Azarpazhooh, A., Lawrence, H. P., & Shah, P. S. (2016). Xylitol for preventing acute otitis media in children up to 12 years of age. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (8). Full text: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007095.pub3/abstract
- Talattof, Z., Azad, A., Zahed, M., & Shahradnia, N. (2018). Antifungal Activity of Xylitol against Candida albicans: An in vitro Study. The journal of contemporary dental practice, 19(2), 125-129. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29422459/
- Patil, S., Rao, R. S., Majumdar, B., & Anil, S. (2015). Clinical appearance of oral Candida infection and therapeutic strategies. Frontiers in microbiology, 6, 1391. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4681845/
- Uebanso, T., Kano, S., Yoshimoto, A., Naito, C., Shimohata, T., Mawatari, K., & Takahashi, A. (2017). Effects of consuming xylitol on gut microbiota and lipid metabolism in mice. Nutrients, 9(7), 756. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537870/
- Chukwuma, C. I., & Islam, M. S. (2017). Xylitol improves anti-oxidative defense system in serum, liver, heart, kidney and pancreas of normal and type 2 diabetes model of rats. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 74(3), 817-26. Full text: https://ptfarm.pl/pub/File/Acta_Poloniae/2017/3/817.pdf
- Pizzorno, J. (2014). Glutathione!. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 13(1), 8. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/
- Mattila, P. T., Svanberg, M. J., & Knuuttila, M. L. (2001). Increased bone volume and bone mineral content in xylitol-fed aged rats. Gerontology, 47(6), 300-305. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11721142/
- Tamura, M., Hoshi, C., & Hori, S. (2013). Xylitol affects the intestinal microbiota and metabolism of daidzein in adult male mice. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(12), 23993-24007. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24336061/
- Payne, A. N., Chassard, C., & Lacroix, C. (2012). Gut microbial adaptation to dietary consumption of fructose, artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols: implications for host–microbe interactions contributing to obesity. Obesity reviews, 13(9), 799-809. Full text: http://www.onespiritmedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/studies/gut_microbial_adaptation_to_dietary_consumption_of.pdf
- Mäkinen, K. K. (2016). Gastrointestinal disturbances associated with the consumption of sugar alcohols with special consideration of Xylitol: scientific review and instructions for dentists and other health-care professionals. International journal of dentistry, 2016. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093271/
- Murphy, L. A., & Dunayer, E. K. (2018). Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs: An Update. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 48(6), 985. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30064708/
FAQs
Does xylitol gum have side effects? ›
Xylitol can reduce constipation, diabetes, obesity, and other body syndromes or illnesses; it has also revealed its stimulating effect on digestion and immune system. However, it can produce some side effects such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, nephrolithiasis, etc., when consumed in excessive amounts.
What are the health benefits of xylitol gum? ›Benefits of xylitol gum
Xylitol helps prevent the formation of plaque, and it may slow bacterial growth associated with cavities. According to a 2020 review, xylitol may be especially effective against the bacterial strains Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sangui.
It has been reported that xylitol can raise blood glucose levels, which suggests that diabetics shouldn't consume it. Xylitol side effects also include constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi, colic, increased bowel movements and weight gain.
Do dentists recommend xylitol gum? ›Some dentists will recommend their patients use products with xylitol (such as gum) at least a few times per day. There have been proven studies that show xylitol exposure can significantly lower the amount of dental plaque in your mouth, and as such, it decreases your risk of tooth decay.
Is it bad to chew xylitol gum everyday? ›Yes, xylitol is safe in chewing gum. In moderation, it is safe for diabetics and individuals on the keto diet. But don't eat more than two or three pieces of xylitol chewing gum in a day — overconsumption may lead to bloating or a rise in blood sugar levels.
Can I chew xylitol gum everyday? ›You'll be able to have it as frequently as you like, without the risk of causing complications like those seen in traditional gums that contain sugar. If you've frequently chewed other types of gums, it's important to have routine dental visits to make sure you have not developed any hidden cavities.
How much xylitol gum should I chew a day? ›Xylitol gum or mints used 3-5 times daily, for a total intake of 5 grams, is considered optimal. Because frequency and duration of exposure is important, gum should be chewed for approximately 5 minutes and mints should be allowed to dissolve.
Is xylitol safe and healthy? ›Xylitol is mostly safe, especially if taken in amounts found in food. The FDA has approved xylitol as a food additive or sweetener. Side effects. If you take large amounts of xylitol, such as 30 to 40 grams, you may experience diarrhea or gas.
What is the healthiest gum? ›If you're concerned about additives, choose a chew that uses all-natural ingredients, like Project 7 Naturally Sweetened Everest Peppermint Gum or Xylichew Peppermint Gum. And you can protect your teeth by selecting sugar-free gum options like Extra Polar Ice Gum, Dentyne Ice Arctic Chill Gum, or Pur Wintergreen Gum.
What is the truth about xylitol? ›It is possibly safe when used in chewing gums, candies, lozenges, toothpastes, and mouth rinses in amounts up to about 50 grams daily. It might cause diarrhea and gas in some people. Taking high doses of xylitol is possibly unsafe. Using very high doses long-term might cause tumors.
Does xylitol destroy gut bacteria? ›
Although xylitol can kill the "bad" bacteria in the mouth and guts, it can also feed the friendly bacteria in the mouth and gut, which is EXCELLENT. It is a soluble plant fibre that acts as a Prebiotic, as I mentioned above.
Is xylitol hard on liver? ›Due to differing amounts of xylitol present in various products, the amount of a product that is needed to be ingested before toxicity is expected varies. In general, lower doses of xylitol cause hypoglycemia, while higher doses cause liver failure.
Can xylitol reverse periodontal disease? ›Xylitol is anti-bacterial and will help to make the harmful bacteria disappear and over time the pockets that you've developed in your gum line will heal and recede back to their normal condition.
What do dentists say about xylitol? ›Studies have shown that frequent use is best and up to five times per day is recommended. The more frequently xylitol is used, the less bacteria and acid will be in the mouth. Fewer dental visits, fewer cavities, healthier teeth and gums will result.
Does xylitol gum Remineralize teeth? ›Xylitol also stimulates saliva production, meaning that food particles, plaque, and bacteria are continually removed from the teeth. When used in combination with fluoride, Xylitol works to remineralize teeth, protecting tooth enamel, and minimizing new cavity formation.
Is xylitol safe long term? ›This can lead to gas, bloating and diarrhea. However, your body seems to adjust very well to xylitol. If you increase intake slowly and give your body time to adjust, you likely won't experience any negative effects. Long-term consumption of xylitol does appear to be completely safe.
How much xylitol gum is too much? ›That translates to chewing roughly 3- 5 pieces of xylitol-sweetened gum a day. In high doses, more than about 15 grams a day, xylitol can cause stomach problems, and at even higher doses, it can give you the runs.
How much xylitol is in Trident gum? ›Based on our most recent tests, Trident® gum has 0.17 grams of xylitol in each piece*. That means you would need to chew more than 35 pieces of Trident each day to reduce decay causing bacteria. Trident relies on sorbitol for the bulk of its sweetener.
Is xylitol gum better than regular gum? ›Xylitol-containing chewing gums are more effective than conventional gums in reducing salivary levels of S. mutans in individuals with poor–moderate oral hygiene.
How long after eating should you chew xylitol gum? ›Sugar-free gum made with xylitol can help aid in the fight against cavities. The best time to chew gum is 20 minutes after eating or drinking. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva flow in the mouth which helps wash away new and existing bacteria in the mouth.
How long does it take for xylitol gum to work? ›
Example Daily Xylitol Product Schedule
Use a piece of gum or two mints after each meal or snack. Chew or suck on the mints for at least five minutes to get the full benefits of the product.
Since xylitol slows destruction and enables some rebuilding of the enamel, it helps prevent new cavities from forming and over time can reverse tooth decay that already occurred.
Can I chew xylitol gum before bed? ›Xylitol can be delivered to your teeth in chewing gum, tablets, or even candy and mints. You can also use it before bed—after brushing and flossing—to protect and heal your teeth as you sleep.
Does xylitol increase blood sugar? ›Xylitol is widely used as a sweetener in foods and medications. Xylitol ingestion causes a small blood glucose rise, and it is commonly used as an alternative to high-energy supplements in diabetics.
Is xylitol inflammatory? ›In addition, xylitol has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of cytokines induced by P.
What is another name for xylitol? ›XYLITOL is a sweetener that is found in a wide range of products. It might also go by other names, including wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract.
Is xylitol natural or artificial? ›Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. It is also commercially produced from birch bark and corn cob for use as a sweetener. Xylitol is a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gum. Xylitol safety is confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.
What gum do dentists recommend? ›To date, the only chewing gums with the ADA Seal are sugar-free. They are sweetened by non-cavity-causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol. Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay.
What gums to avoid? ›Guar gum is known to cause gas and intestinal discomfort in high doses. True, it's used in relatively small amounts as an emulsifier. But with no real nutritional value, it might be better to just avoid it completely.
What is the most unhealthy gum? ›Bubble Yum Bubble Gum
"It's probably the sugar in gum that's the worst ingredient," Taub-Dix says. "Not only is it void of any value, but it also regularly connects with your teeth and could lead to cavities in addition to empty calories."
Does peanut butter have xylitol? ›
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many foods, including Peanut Butter and chewing gum – it's purpose is to give these foods a pleasant sweet taste.
Is Splenda the same as xylitol? ›Pet owners do have to be considerate of foods containing xylitol, a sweetening ingredient NOT found in Splenda Brand products (as of 9/16/20).
Does xylitol starve bacteria? ›However, what makes xylitol so great is that while the bacteria will still eat it, it doesn't fuel them. Instead, xylitol actually starves the bacteria. In fact, xylitol can effectively lower bacteria levels, sometimes up to 75%.
Is xylitol a prebiotic? ›hadrus and A. caccae demonstrated augmented butyrate production from L-sorbose or xylitol. These findings suggest that L-sorbose and xylitol cause prebiotic stimulation of the growth and metabolic activity of Anaerostipes spp. in the human colon.
Does xylitol affect blood pressure? ›Studies show that both stevia and xylitol protect against typical after-meal glucose surges and reduce insulin needs. Stevia may also lower high blood pressure while xylitol helps prevent cavities and ear infections and may strengthen bones. Scientifically reviewed by: Juanita Enogieru, MS, RD/N, in May 2022.
Does xylitol raise cholesterol? ›As such, it may be seen that xylitol may still be able to increase weight and blood cholesterol, but not blood glucose. As a sugar replacer,[22] xylitol did not, in fact, raise the value of blood glucose, but prudence should be observed when using xylitol since it may still increase the weight and blood glucose.
Does xylitol mess with hormones? ›In conclusion, low doses of xylitol stimulate the secretion of gut hormones and induce a deceleration in gastric emptying rates. There is no effect on blood lipids and only little effect on plasma glucose and insulin.
What heals periodontal disease? ›Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or putting gel containing an antibiotic into gum pockets. Sometimes oral antibiotics are needed to get of bacteria that cause infections.
Does xylitol dissolve plaque? ›Xylitol is a sugar alcohol having the properties that reduce levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in the plaque and saliva.
Can xylitol erode teeth? ›Xylitol helps reduce the risk of tooth decay by enhancing saliva flow. The saliva flow helps stabilize the overall pH levels to decrease harmful bacteria in the mouth. The harmful bacteria are also responsible for conditions like gingivitis, xerostomia, and periodontitis. Xylitol can protect your oral health!
Should I use xylitol? ›
Xylitol can replace sugar in cooking, in beverages as a sweetener, and baking except in recipes that require yeast to rise. Xylitol needs to be the first ingredient listed in whichever form you choose to use (granular "sugar", mints, gum, rinse, toothpaste, oral spray, etc) to get the maximum benefit.
Is there a mineral that can heal gums and teeth? ›Vitamin C strengthens your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from loosening.
What mineral restores receding gums? ›Vitamin B Benefits
Vitamin B deficiency can cause receding gums, a sensitivity of mucous membranes, and toothaches. Vitamin B improves general oral health, prevents canker sores, and reduces tongue inflammation. Vitamin B Sources: Fish, meat, poultry, green vegetables, beans, legumes, and mushrooms.
Fluoride is another naturally occurring mineral that can help remineralize your teeth. It forms a stronger building block called fluorapatite, which makes your teeth more resistant to mineral loss. You can brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Is xylitol in chewing gum safe? ›Xylitol, a sugar substitute frequently used in sugar-free gum, is generally considered harmless to humans but it can be extremely toxic to dogs.
Can you chew too much xylitol gum? ›That translates to chewing roughly 3- 5 pieces of xylitol-sweetened gum a day. In high doses, more than about 15 grams a day, xylitol can cause stomach problems, and at even higher doses, it can give you the runs.
Can xylitol cause digestive problems? ›Xylitol is generally well tolerated, but some people experience digestive side effects when they consume too much. This can lead to gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Does xylitol cause inflammation? ›In addition, xylitol has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of cytokines induced by P. gingivalis LPS in Raw 264.7 cells.
What is the healthiest gum for your teeth? ›Sugar-free gum is the only choice if you're looking for a healthy option. The best gum for your teeth will be sugar-free. Sugar-free gums usually contain xylitol as a substitute. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that provides sweetness without providing fuel to bacteria.
What are the other names for xylitol? ›XYLITOL is a sweetener that is found in a wide range of products. It might also go by other names, including wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract.
Does xylitol raise blood pressure? ›
Studies show that both stevia and xylitol protect against typical after-meal glucose surges and reduce insulin needs. Stevia may also lower high blood pressure while xylitol helps prevent cavities and ear infections and may strengthen bones. Scientifically reviewed by: Juanita Enogieru, MS, RD/N, in May 2022.
Can xylitol trigger IBS? ›Unfortunately, many of these are linked to IBS symptoms, too. Sorbitol and xylitol are two common types of sugar substitutes that have been linked to abdominal cramps and diarrhea from IBS. These sugar substitutes are found in sugar-free desserts, candies, and gums. One exception could be stevia.