Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

 https://www.newsweek.com/popular-sugar-substitute-linked-higher-risk-heart-attack-stroke-12373750

An ingredient found in everything from sugar-free foods to oral care products has been linked to higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

A study due to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026 found that people with higher blood levels of xylitol, a commonly used artificial sweetener, were more likely to experience major cardiovascular events over the long term than those with lower levels.

The sugar alcohol is often used as a substitute for sugar in foods, drinks and dental products. While it occurs naturally in the body and in some foods at very low levels, it is frequently added to products in much larger amounts.