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Sweetener used in Jam may be linked to increased strokes and heart attacks
United Kingdom🩺 HealthCenter9/2/2026

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

A recent study suggests that xylitol, an artificial sweetener commonly found in jams, chewing gum, and toothpaste, may be linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from Charité University Hospital in Berlin analyzed data from 17,710 participants over several years and found that individuals with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood had a 57% greater risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels. This association remained significant across different ages, genders, and after accounting for other health factors like BMI, hypertension, and diabetes. The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual congress in Munich. While xylitol is considered safe by regulatory agencies, the study highlights the need for further research on its long-term cardiovascular effects, particularly as its usage in food products continues to rise.

A new study suggests that xylitol, a popular artificial sweetener commonly found in jams, chewing gum, and toothpaste, may be linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from Charité University Hospital in Berlin analyzed data from nearly 18,000 participants and found that individuals with the highest levels of xylitol in their bloodstream had a significantly elevated risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels. These findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual congress in Munich. The study, which represents one of the largest investigations into the cardiovascular effects of xylitol, tracked participants over multiple years. It compared the top 25 percent of individuals with the highest xylitol concentrations in their blood against the bottom 25 percent with the lowest. Over a six-year period, those with the highest levels faced a 57 percent greater risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, including stroke or death. When extended to a 30-year timeframe, the risk difference was still notable, though reduced to 18 percent. Dr. Marco Witkowski, a researcher from Charité University Hospital, explained that earlier studies had already indicated that xylitol could enhance platelet clotting abilities. This latest analysis aimed to determine whether these effects translated into real-world cardiovascular risks among a broader segment of the population. He noted that the association between xylitol levels and cardiovascular events remained consistent across different ages and genders, and was independent of other known risk factors such as body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes. Xylitol is frequently used as a sugar substitute due to its low-calorie content and potential dental benefits. However, the study raises concerns about its widespread consumption. Many consumers choose xylitol under the assumption that it is a safer alternative to sugar, and regulatory bodies have generally deemed it safe for human consumption. Nevertheless, the new findings suggest that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term cardiovascular implications of regular xylitol intake. The research team emphasized that while xylitol is increasingly prevalent in food and oral care products, the extent of its impact on public health remains unclear. As the usage of xylitol continues to rise, the need for further investigation becomes more pressing. Dr. Witkowski called for additional studies to explore the relationship between xylitol and cardiovascular disease, particularly given the growing presence of this sweetener in everyday consumer goods. The study adds to a growing body of evidence questioning the assumed safety of artificial sweeteners. While some research has suggested possible links between certain sweeteners and metabolic disorders, this study specifically highlights a potential connection between xylitol and cardiovascular risks. The findings are likely to prompt discussions among healthcare professionals and regulatory agencies regarding the continued approval and promotion of xylitol-containing products. As the scientific community reviews these results, the public may begin to reassess their consumption habits involving xylitol. Consumers who rely on xylitol for its perceived health benefits may now consider the potential risks outlined in this study. Meanwhile, researchers will continue to monitor the long-term effects of xylitol exposure, seeking to clarify its role in cardiovascular health.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

3 reports

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 788/29/2026
Sweetener used in Jam may be linked to increased strokes and heart attacks

A new study suggests that xylitol, a common artificial sweetener found in jams, chewing gum, and toothpaste, may be linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from Charité University Hospital in Berlin analyzed data from 17,710 participants over several years and found that individuals with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood had a 57% greater risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels. The study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology annual congress, noted that this risk remained consistent across different ages, sexes, and health conditions. While xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute and considered safe by regulatory agencies, the findings highlight gaps in understanding its long-term cardiovascular effects and call for further research.

Bias read (Center): The article presents scientific findings without overt ideological slant. It reports on a medical study without promoting specific political agendas or policies. While the implications could influence public health discussions, the framing remains neutral, focusing on presenting the study's results,

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a study conducted by researchers from Charité University Hospital in Berlin, citing specific details like the number of participants (17,710), the percentage increase in risk (57%), and the duration of the study (6 years). It references the ESC annual congress and quotes the l

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the findings of the study in a straightforward manner but uses phrases like 'substantially greater risk' and 'linked to cardiovascular events' which carry some weight. There is no clear indication of bias, but the language leans slightly towards emphasizing the potential dangers

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 708/30/2026
Sweetener used in Jam may be linked to increased strokes and heart attacks

A recent study suggests that xylitol, an artificial sweetener commonly found in jams, chewing gum, and toothpaste, may be linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from Charité University Hospital in Berlin analyzed data from 17,710 participants over several years and found that individuals with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood had a 57% greater risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those with the lowest levels. This association remained significant across different ages, genders, and after accounting for other health factors like BMI, hypertension, and diabetes. The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual congress in Munich. While xylitol is considered safe by regulatory agencies, the study highlights the need for further research on its long-term cardiovascular effects, particularly as its usage in food products continues to rise.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a scientific study on the potential health risks of xylitol without taking a clear stance or showing bias toward any particular viewpoint. It reports the findings objectively, citing the study's methodology, results, and expert commentary without emphasizing one side over the其他的

Why factuality (75): The article reports on a study conducted by researchers from the Charité University Hospital in Berlin, citing a 57% increased risk of major cardiovascular events in those with the highest xylitol levels. It mentions the study involved 17,710 participants and was presented at the ESC annual congress

Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat alarmist, using phrases like 'substantially greater risk' and emphasizing the potential dangers of xylitol. While it quotes a researcher, it does not present opposing viewpoints or contextualize the findings within broader scientific consensus.

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 659/2/2026
Popular sugar substitute linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk among Brits

A 30-year study involving over 17,000 participants in the UK and Canada found that individuals with higher levels of xylitol in their bloodstream had an increased risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. Researchers reported a 57% higher risk in the Canadian group and an 18% higher risk in the UK group compared to those with lower xylitol levels. Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener used in diet foods, drinks, chewing gum, and other products, has been considered safe by regulatory agencies. However, the study highlights a lack of understanding regarding its long-term cardiovascular effects, prompting calls for further research.

Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a scientific study without overtly favoring any particular viewpoint. It includes quotes from researchers emphasizing the need for further investigation rather than making definitive claims about causality. There is no indication of ideological framing or biased ph

Why factuality (70): The article references a 30-year study involving 17,000 participants, noting a 57% increase in cardiovascular risk for those with the highest xylitol levels. It mentions both Canadian and UK populations and cites Dr. Marco Witkowski. However, it lacks specific details about the study design, control

Why objectivity (65): The language is more emotionally charged, using terms like 'put you at a greater risk' and focusing on the implications for Brits. It emphasizes the potential danger without balancing with information about the safety of xylitol as determined by regulatory bodies.

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