Xylitol
is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits
and vegetables. It is extracted from birch
wood to make medicine.
Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other candies. However, sorbitol is the most commonly used sweetener in sugarless gums because it is less expensive than xylitol and easier to make into commercial products.
As a medicine, xylitol is used to prevent middle ear infections (otitis media) in young children, and as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes.
Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth.
Xylitol is sometimes included in tube feeding formulas as a source of energy.
Dog owners should know that xylitol can be toxic to dogs, even when the relatively small amounts from candies are eaten. If your dog eats a product that contains xylitol, it is important to take the dog to a veterinarian immediately.
Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other candies. However, sorbitol is the most commonly used sweetener in sugarless gums because it is less expensive than xylitol and easier to make into commercial products.
As a medicine, xylitol is used to prevent middle ear infections (otitis media) in young children, and as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes.
Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth.
Xylitol is sometimes included in tube feeding formulas as a source of energy.
Dog owners should know that xylitol can be toxic to dogs, even when the relatively small amounts from candies are eaten. If your dog eats a product that contains xylitol, it is important to take the dog to a veterinarian immediately.
How does it work?
Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not
converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of
decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear
infections.
Likely effective for:
Preventing dental caries (tooth
decay). Use of xylitol-containing products such as foods, chewing gum, candies,
and toothpaste that
provide 1-20 grams of xylitol per day can significantly reduce the rate of
cavity formation in both adults and children. But some national brands of
chewing gum contain milligram amounts of xylitol, far less than the gram doses
that prevent tooth decay. Xylitol products appear to be more effective than
products containing sorbitol
for preventing cavities.
Possibly effective for:
Reducing episodes of ear
infections (otitis media)
in preschool children.
Xylitol given in appropriate doses after meals to preschool children seems to
significantly reduce the number of ear
infections they get and the need for antibiotics.
However, giving xylitol at the onset of symptoms of an acute respiratory
infection does not seem to prevent ear infections.
Xylitol side effects and
safety
Xylitol is safe in the amounts found in foods. It seems
safe as a medicine for most adults in amounts up to about 50 grams per day.
Avoid higher doses. There is some concern that extremely high doses for long
periods of time (more than three years) can cause tumors. Xylitol can cause diarrhea and intestinal gas. It is probably safe for children as a
medicine in amounts up to 20 grams per day.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of
xylitol during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
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