Health

Sweetener used in chewing gum and jam linked to strokes and heart attacks

The Guardian Society Health · 28 August 2026 at 14:05

Sweetener used in chewing gum and jam linked to strokes and heart attacks

High blood levels of xylitol associated with higher risk of major cardiovascular events, in largest study of its kind A common sweetener used in products such as chewing gum, toothpaste, jam, yoghurts and ice cream worldwide has been linked to an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and death.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol present in some natural foods in very low amounts.

It is also added – often in amounts 1,000 times higher – to artificially sweeten foods, beverages and oral care products.

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This story in other outlets

Sweetener used in Jam may be linked to increased strokes and heart attacks

The Independent UK News · 6 h ago

Sweetener used in chewing gum and jam linked to strokes and heart attacks

This story in other outlets

Sweetener used in Jam may be linked to increased strokes and heart attacks

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