Common low-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds

A low-calorie sweetener called xylitol may be linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death, according to a new study. The study found that people who consume high levels of xylitol have nearly twice the risk of these cardiovascular events. Researchers discovered that levels of xylitol in the body can increase significantly after consumption, much more than with regular sugar. Additional research indicates that xylitol and another sweetener called erythritol may make blood platelets more likely to clot, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The findings suggest that reducing xylitol intake may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.