---
title: "Xylitol linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/health/xylitol-linked-to-increased-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/xylitol-linked-to-increased-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/health/xylitol-linked-to-increased-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/xylitol-linked-to-increased-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk"
category: "Health"
area: "European Union"
published: "2026-09-01T03:25:24.521Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-01T02:15:44.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-01T03:25:24.521Z"
trust_score: 45
critic_score: 77
hype_score: 28
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-01T04:15:08.600362+00:00"
---

# Xylitol linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk

*New research suggests higher levels of the sugar substitute may pose cardiovascular dangers.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 45 of 100, higher is better. Trust 45 – dataset and participant count cited, but claim rests on unnamed research without named sources.
- Craft 77 of 100, higher is better. Critic 77 – explains relevance, gives specific figure, separates fact from comment, clear concise story.
- Hype 28 of 100, lower is better. Hype 28 – mild emphasis, no clickbait or exaggerated language.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Higher levels of the sugar substitute xylitol were associated with a significantly greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
- The findings are based on an analysis of data from 17,710 people involved in Canadian and European studies.
- Individuals with xylitol in their blood showed a greater risk of major cardiovascular events.

New research indicates that higher concentrations of xylitol, a widely used low-calorie sweetener, are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The analysis, which drew on data from 17,710 participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and the European Prospective Study, found that individuals with xylitol in their blood were at a greater risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events.

## Coverage comparison

## What the coverage left out

Neither of the centre-rated digests mentioned the specific types of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, that were associated with higher xylitol levels. No left- or right-rated outlets covered this story.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 30 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 23% (7)
- Centre: 47% (14)
- Right: 30% (9)

39 of 69 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-01T04:15:08.600362+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-01T04:45:07.680Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

No separate framing summary.

### Centre

- LiveNOW from FOX, a centre-rated outlet, reported that individuals whose blood contained xylitol faced a greater risk of major cardiovascular events. This report stated the analysis was based on data from 17,710 people participating in either the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging or the European Prospective Study.

### Right

No separate framing summary.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 1
- mixed: 7
- high: 13
- unknown: 40
- veryHigh: 8

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/stiinta-sanatate/un-inlocuitor-al-zaharului-sub-lupa-cercetatorilor-creste-riscul-de-infarct-si-avc-cu-peste-50-23799520) — A Sugar Substitute, Under the Lens of Researchers. Increases the Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke by More than 50%
- [retirement.media](https://retirement.media/popular-sugar-substitute-xylitol-linked-to-higher-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk) — Popular Sugar Substitute Xylitol Linked to Higher Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
- [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/08/31/health/popular-artificial-sweetener-linked-to-potentially-dangerous-heart-risk) — Popular sugar substitute linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk
- [LiveNOW from FOX](https://livenowfox.com/news/artificial-sweetener-linked-higher-risk-cardiovascular-events) — Artificial sweetener linked to higher risk of cardiovascular events
- [FOX13news](https://fox13news.com/news/artificial-sweetener-linked-higher-risk-cardiovascular-events) — Artificial sweetener linked to higher risk of cardiovascular events
- [Fox 10 Phoenix](https://fox10phoenix.com/news/artificial-sweetener-linked-higher-risk-cardiovascular-events) — Artificial sweetener linked to higher risk of cardiovascular events
- [tippinsights](https://tippinsights.com/why-xylitol-may-be-linked-to-higher-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk) — Why Xylitol May Be Linked To Higher Heart Attack And Stroke Risk
- [democraticaccent.com](https://democraticaccent.com/popular-artificial-sweetener-linked-to-potentially-dangerous-heart-risk) — Popular artificial sweetener linked to potentially dangerous heart risk – Democratic Accent
- [Fox News](https://foxnews.com/health/popular-artificial-sweetener-linked-potentially-dangerous-heart-risk) — Popular artificial sweetener linked to potentially dangerous heart risk
- [n-tv](https://n-tv.de/wissen/Schaden-zuckerfreie-Kaugummis-und-Zero-Getraenke-Herz-und-Darm-id31249884.html) — Xylite, Stevia & Co Under the Microscope: Damage Sugar-Free Chewing Gum and Zero-Drinks Heart and Intestine?
- [cyprustimes.com](https://cyprustimes.com/ygeianews/xylitoli-enochi-gia-ton-kindyno-emfanisis-egkefalikou-kai-emfragmatos) — Xylitol: “Guilty” for the Risk of Stroke and Infarction
- [LiFO](https://lifo.gr/now/tech-science/glykantiko-se-tsihles-kai-marmelades-fainetai-na-syndeetai-me-ayximeno-kindyno) — Sweetener in Chewing Gum and Jams Appears to Be Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack
- [yle](https://yle.fi/a/74-20243743) — Study: Xylitol Linked to Heart Attacks and Strokes – Finnish Researcher Refutes
- [Vice](https://vice.com/en/article/this-popular-sugar-substitute-may-be-linked-to-a-higher-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke) — This Popular Sugar Substitute May Be Linked to a Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
- [Ελεύθερος Τύπος](https://eleftherostypos.gr/ygeia-epistimi/tsichles-marmelades-kai-giaourtia-afto-to-glykantiko-syndeetai-me-emfragma-kai-egkefaliko) — Gum, Jams and Yogurts: This Sweetener Is Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke
- [jurnalul.ro](https://jurnalul.ro/stiri/observator/capcana-produse-light-xilitol-folosita-ca-inlocuitor-de-zahar-poate-declansa-infarct-1042852.html) — Product Traps ‘Light': Substance Used as a Sugar Substitute that Can Trigger a Heart Attack
- [PatrisNews - Εφημερίδα Πατρίς Ηλείας…](https://patrisnews.com/glykantiko-poy-chrisimopoieitai-eyreos-endechetai-na-ayxanei-ton-kindyno-egkefalikoy-kai-emfragmatos) — Widely Used Sweetener May Increase Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack - PatrisNews - Patris Newspaper of Ilia
- [δημοκρατία](https://dimokratia.gr/ygeia/739146/poio-glykantiko-syndeetai-me-ayximeno-kindyno-gia-emfragma-kai-egkefaliko) — Which Sweetener Is Linked to an Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke?
- [www.ertnews.gr](https://ertnews.gr/eidiseis/glykantiko-pou-xrisimopoieitai-eyreos-endexetai-na-ayksanei-ton-kindyno-egkefalikou-kai-emfragmatos) — Commonly Used Sweetener May Increase Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack
- [TUOI TRE ONLINE](https://tuoitre.vn/chat-tao-ngot-trong-keo-cao-su-va-mut-lam-tang-nguy-co-dot-quy-va-dau-tim-100260831162442127.htm) — Artificial Sweeteners in Chewing Gum and Jam Increase the Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack.
- [Gilmore Health News](https://gilmorehealth.com/higher-xylitol-levels-linked-to-greater-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-in-new-study-but-the-sweetener-may-not-be-the-cause) — Higher Xylitol Levels Linked to Greater Heart Attack and Stroke Risk in New Study, but the Sweetener May Not Be the Cause
- [NEWSru.co.il](https://newsru.co.il/health/31aug2026/xylitol_am.html) — The Booster Used in Gum and Jam Was Tied to Strokes and Heart Attacks
- [nin.rs](https://nin.rs/magazin/vesti/122036/zasladivac-u-zvakama-i-dzemu-povezan-sa-rizikom-od-srcanog-i-mozdanog-udara) — Gum and Jam Sweetener Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke: Scientists Warn of Risk
- [op-online.de](https://op-online.de/welt/suessstoff-in-kaugummi-mit-herzinfarkten-in-verbindung-gebracht-zr-94464789.html) — Sweetener in Chewing Gum Associated with Heart Attacks
- [hna.de](https://hna.de/wissen/suessstoff-in-kaugummi-mit-herzinfarkten-in-verbindung-gebracht-zr-94464789.html) — Sweetener in Chewing Gum Associated with Heart Attacks
- [tz.de](https://tz.de/wissen/suessstoff-in-kaugummi-mit-herzinfarkten-in-verbindung-gebracht-zr-94464789.html) — Sweetener in Chewing Gum Associated with Heart Attacks
- [mannheim24.de](https://mannheim24.de/welt/suessstoff-in-kaugummi-mit-herzinfarkten-in-verbindung-gebracht-zr-94464789.html) — Sweetener in Chewing Gum Associated with Heart Attacks
- [merkur.de](https://merkur.de/wissen/suessstoff-in-kaugummi-mit-herzinfarkten-in-verbindung-gebracht-zr-94464789.html) — Sweetener in Chewing Gum Associated with Heart Attacks
- [Kreiszeitung](https://kreiszeitung.de/wissen/suessstoff-in-kaugummi-mit-herzinfarkten-in-verbindung-gebracht-zr-94464789.html) — Sweetener in Chewing Gum Associated with Heart Attacks
- [Business & Industry | News | Analysis | Magazines- Asian Trader -](https://asiantrader.biz/sweetener-linked-higher-heart-attack-risk-study) — Common Sweetener Found in Convenience Store Staple Linked to Heart Attack Risk
- [mojevrijeme.hr](https://mojevrijeme.hr/magazin/2026/08/brezov-secer-povezan-s-infarktom-i-mozdanim-udarom-evo-gdje-se-nalazi-u-hrvatskoj) — Birch Sugar Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke: Here's Where It's Found in Croatia
- [turkiyegazetesi.com.tr](https://turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/saglik/sekersiz-diye-tuketenler-dikkat-turkiyede-her-yil-300-bin-kisi-bu-sebepten-oluyor-ris-1812561) — Attention Those Who Consume Sugar-Free Drinks! 300,000 People Die in Türkiye Every Year From This Cause: The Risk Is 57% Higher.
- [Iatropedia](https://iatropedia.gr/ygeia/ksylitoli-to-gnosto-technito-glykantiko-mporei-na-afksanei-ton-kindyno-kardiakon-epeisodion/228885) — Xylitol: The Well-Known Artificial Sweetener May Increase the Risk of Heart Attacks
- [Signs of the Times](https://sott.net/article/508139-Study-links-sweetener-used-in-chewing-gum-and-jam-to-strokes-and-heart-attacks) — Study links sweetener used in chewing gum and jam to strokes and...
- [Portfolio](https://portfolio.hu/global/20260829/sulyos-veszelyre-hivtak-fel-a-figyelmet-egy-elterjedt-edesitoszerrel-kapcsolatban-859156) — Serious Danger Raised Regarding a Common Sweetener
- [telex.hu](https://telex.hu/techtud/2026/08/29/xilit-edesitoszer-stroke-szivroham-tanulmany) — A Study Suggests that People with High Levels of the Sweetener Used in Chewing Gum in Their Blood Are More Likely to Have a Heart Attack or Stroke.
- [دیجیاتو](https://digiato.com/health/new-study-links-xylitol-to-higher-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke) — New Study Links Artificial Sweetener Consumption to Increased Risk of Heart Disease
- [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/29/sweetener-gum-jam-toothpaste-tied-higher-stroke-heart-attack-risk-new) — Sweetener in gum, jam, toothpaste tied to higher stroke, heart attack risk, new study finds
- [Slashdot](https://science.slashdot.org/story/26/08/29/0058228/xylitol-linked-to-strokes-and-heart-attacks-study-finds) — Xylitol Linked To Strokes and Heart Attacks, Study Finds
- [Premium Times Nigeria](https://premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/906131-sweetener-used-in-foods-beverages-linked-to-strokes-heart-attacks-study.html) — Sweetener used in foods, beverages linked to strokes, heart attacks – Study
- [BNR Nieuwsradio](https://bnr.nl/nieuws/lifestyle/10609176/gezonde-zoetstof-in-kauwgom-verbonden-aan-hoger-risico-op-hartproblemen) — ‘Healthy’ Sweetener in Chewing Gum Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Problems
- [Utusan Online](https://utusan.com.my/terkini/2026/08/pemanis-dalam-jem-ubat-gigi-dikaitkan-dengan-risiko-strok) — Sweeteners in Jam, Toothpaste Linked to Stroke Risk
- [blitzquotidiano.it](https://blitzquotidiano.it/societa/xilitolo-livelli-alti-nel-sangue-associati-a-un-maggior-rischio-di-infarto-e-ictus-cosa-emerge-da-un-nuovo-studio-3799456) — Xylitol, High Blood Levels Associated with Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: What Emerges From a New Study
- [finchannel.com](https://finchannel.com/xylitol-in-chewing-gum-and-other-foods-raises-new-questions-about-heart-and-stroke-risk/134132/health-beauty/2026/08) — Xylitol Sweetener Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke Risk: What the Research Shows
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/xylitol-sweetener-jam-heart-attack-study-b3041405.html) — Sweetener used in Jam may be linked to increased strokes and heart attacks
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/xylitol-sweetener-jam-heart-attack-study-b3041405.html) — Sweetener used in Jam may be linked to increased strokes and heart attacks
- [Indeksonline.net](https://indeksonline.net/embelsuesi-i-perdorur-ne-camcakez-dhe-recel-lidhet-me-goditje-ne-tru-dhe-atak-ne-zemer) — Sweetener Used in Gum and Jam Linked to Stroke and Heart Attack
- [Agi.it](https://agi.it/salute/news/2026-08-29/dolcificanti-ictus-infarti-38755435) — Sweeteners Are Linked to Strokes and Heart Attacks
- [Zëri](https://zeri.info/shendetesi/635142/studimi-embelsuesi-i-perdorur-te-camcakezet-lidhet-me-rritje-te-rrezikut-per-infarkt-dhe-goditje-ne-tru) — Study: Sweetener Used in Chewing Gum Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
- [irafina.gr](https://irafina.gr/gnosto-glykantiko-se-tsichles-kai-marmelades-ypopto-gia-egkefalika-kai-kardiaka-epeisodia) — Known Sweetener in Chewing Gum and Jams Suspected of Causing Strokes and Heart Attacks
- [republika.mk](https://republika.mk/zhivot/zdravje/vnimavajte-so-zasladuvachot-ksilitolot-mozhe-da-dobiete-mozochen-i-srczev-udar) — Be Careful with the Sweetener "Xylitol": You Can Have a Stroke and Heart Attack
- [www.cnews.fr](https://cnews.fr/sante/2026-08-28/cet-edulcorant-utilise-dans-les-chewing-gums-les-dentifrice-et-les-confitures) — This Sweetener Used in Chewing Gums, Toothpaste and Jams Would Be Related to Strokes and Heart Attacks
- [Rzeczpospolita](https://rp.pl/nauka/art45069171-popularny-slodzik-powiazany-z-zawalami-i-udarami-jest-w-wielu-lubianych-produktach) — A Popular Sweetener Linked to Heart Attacks and Strokes. It's Found in Many Popular Products.
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/health/2154566/xylitoli-glykantiko-poy-chrisimopoieitai-se-tsichles-marmelades-kai-odontokremes-enochopoieitai-gia-egkefalika-epeisodia-kai-kardiakes-prosvoles) — Xylitol: Sweetener Used in Chewing Gum, Jams and Toothpastes Is Blamed for Strokes and Heart Attacks
- [The Telegraph](https://telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/28/sweetener-link-heart-attacks-chewing-gum) — Sweetener linked to heart attacks found in chewing gum
- [dnews.gr](https://dnews.gr/eidhseis/ygeia/606993/glykantiko-pou-xrisimopoieitai-se-pagota-tsixles-kai-giaoyrti-syndeetai-me-egkefalika-kai-kardiaka-epeisodia) — Sweetener Used in Ice Cream, Chewing Gum and Yogurt Linked to Strokes and Heart Attacks
- [Deutsches Ärzteblatt](https://aerzteblatt.de/news/sussstoff-xylitol-womoglich-mit-kardiovaskularen-risiken-assoziiert-2cdc44da-f211-481a-85f8-66eb7a9b18bf) — Sweetener Xylitol Possibly Associated with Cardiovascular Risks
- [rador.ro](https://rador.ro/2026/08/27/nivelurile-excesive-ale-indulcitorului-xilitol-din-sange-sunt-asociate-cu-riscul-de-infarct-miocardic-sau-accident-vascular-cerebral) — Excessive Levels of the Xylitol Sweetener in the Blood Are Associated with the Risk of Myocardial Infarction or Stroke.
- [Heti Világgazdaság](https://hvg.hu/tudomany/20260827_xilit-edesitoszer-vizsgalat-kutatas-sziv-es-errendszeri-problemak) — Serious News Has Been Revealed About a Popular Sweetener, Its Consumption Can Cause Heart Problems
- [Salud a Diario](https://saludadiario.es/salud-publica/el-edulcorante-xilitol-puede-aumentar-el-riesgo-de-eventos-cardiovasculares) — Xylitol Sweetener May Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Events
- [Новое Время](https://techno.nv.ua/ukr/medicine/ksilitol-i-sercevo-sudinni-riziki-nove-doslidzhennya-yevropeyskogo-kongresu-esc-2026-50635855.html) — The Hidden Threat of Sweeteners. Xylitol Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes
- [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/sugar-substitute-xylitol-tied-to-higher-risk-of-heart-attack-stroke-and-death-study-finds-2000803326) — Sugar Substitute Xylitol Tied to Higher Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Death, Study Finds
- [News Medical](https://news-medical.net/news/20260826/Artificial-sweetener-xylitol-associated-with-higher-risk-of-adverse-cardiovascular-events.aspx) — Artificial sweetener xylitol associated with higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events
- [News Wire](https://newswire.lk/2026/08/26/sweeteners-in-chewing-gum-linked-with-57-per-cent-raised-risk-of-deadly-heart-attacks-study-suggests) — ‎Sweeteners in chewing gum linked with 57 per cent raised risk of deadly heart attacks, study suggests
- [Cumhuriyet](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/saglik/sekerden-daha-tehlikeli-oldugu-belirlendi-sakiz-ve-nane-sekerlerindeki-ksilitol-kalp-krizi-riskini-artiriyor-2532555) — It Has Been Found to Be More Dangerous than Sugar: Xylitol in Chewing Gum and Mint Candies Increases the Risk of Heart Attack.
- [Halk TV](https://halktv.com.tr/dunya/korkunc-gercek-ortaya-cikti-sekerden-katbekat-daha-tehlikeliymis-1051190h) — The Terrifying Truth Has Been Revealed: It's Far More Dangerous than Sugar!
- [studyfinds.com](https://studyfinds.com/xylitol-may-increase-the-risk-of-major-cardiovascular-events) — Xylitol May Increase The Risk Of Major Cardiovascular Events
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/canale_saluteebenessere/notizie/alimentazione/2026/08/26/un-eccesso-del-dolcificante-xilitolo-nel-sangue-associato-a-rischio-di-infarto-o-ictus_98f70b8a-e6a2-4c3e-bde6-f623148468e9.html) — An Excess of Xylitol Sweetener in the Blood Associated with Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke
- [Medical Xpress](https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-xylitol-cardiovascular-events.html) — Xylitol may increase the risk of cardiovascular events

## Questions

**What is xylitol?**

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is widely used as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free gum, low-calorie foods, and other products as an alternative to sugar.

**What did the research find about xylitol?**

The research found that higher levels of xylitol in the blood were associated with a significantly greater risk of heart attack and stroke, and increased the risk of major cardiovascular events.

**How many people were included in the study?**

The analysis was based on data from 17,710 people who were part of either the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging or the European Prospective Study.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/health/xylitol-linked-to-increased-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Xylitol linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk", https://mediabias.news/health/xylitol-linked-to-increased-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk