WHERE CAN WE FIND XYLITOL? Plums, strawberries, and raspberries
are the rich sources of xylitol which has been demonstrated to have
benefits on preventing tooth cavities, plaque formation and ear infection
[1,2] and helping improve skin and bone conditions in rats.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
DENTAL CAVITIES AND PLAGUES
Studies have showed that xylitol gums, toothpastes and candies could
help develop fewer dental cavities than those receiving either placebo or
no treatment [3-9,14-10]. Xylitol may prevent cavities by inhibiting the
growth of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. [10] A double-blind placebo-
controlled study of 1,677 children showed that xylitol-enriched toothpaste
user developed significantly fewer cavities than those used the floride-
only toothpaste over a three year period. [21] While, a double-blinded
study showed that the effect of xylitol on developing fewer cavities was in
a dose-dependent fashion. [20]
Researchers from Thailand found xylitol chewing gums could effectively
reduce the levels of mutans streptococci in plaque and saliva in a study
of 91 children, aged 10-12. [26] Researchers from Finland discovered
that use of erythritol and xylitol was associated with a statistically
significant reduction in the plaque and saliva levels of mutans
streptococci from a study of 136 teenagers. [27]
EAR INFECTION
Studies have shown that xylitol (in chewing gum) could be a preventive
measure for middle ear infections [11-13, 24, 25].
OSTEOPOROSIS / BONE HEALTH (RESORPTION)
Studies have shown that dietary xylitol supplementation diminishes bone
resorption in rats, as well as protects against ovariectomy-induced
increase of bone resorption during experimental osteoporosis. 10% xylitol
combined with 10% ethanol seems to be more effective on diminishing
bone resorption and to increase bone mineral density and content in rats.
[28]
SKIN HEALTH / AGING
Dietary xylitol has been shown to increase the amounts of newly
synthesized collagen, and to decrease fluorescence of the collagenase-
soluble fraction in the skin of both healthy and diabetic rats. As in diabetic
rats, a decreased rate of collagen synthesis and increased collagen
fluorescence has also been detected in the skin of aged rats. [29]
ANTICARIOGENIC
Sahni PS et al at Indiana University suggested that xylitol is both
noncariogenic and anticariogenic. They believe that the ability of xylitol to
act as an anticariogenic agent is related to its ability to be transported
into caries-causing oral bacteria and inhibiting fermentation. [30]
XYLITOL SIDE EFFECTS
Xylitol appears to be safe. Limited xylitol side effects have been reported.
In general. Inhalation of aerosolized iso-osmotic xylitol is well-tolerated by
naive and atopic mice, and by healthy human volunteers. [31]
However, overdose of xylitol may cause serious side effects such as
stomach discomfort, diarrhea, oral erosive eczema or even acute renal
failure. [32, 33] Infusion of xylitol may cause renal oxalosis. [35]
Oral consumption of a large quantity of xylitol-containing gum was found
to induce severe hypoglycemia, collapse and seizures in a 9-mo-old
neutered male Labrador Retriever. In dogs, xylitol is a strong promoter of
insulin release and can cause severe hypoglycemia with ataxia, collapse
and seizures. In humans, xylitol has little to no effect on plasma insulin or
glucose levels [34]
References
1. Hildebrandt GH, Sparks BS. Maintaining mutans streptococci suppression with
xylitol chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc. 2000;131:909–916. 2. Uhari M, Kontiokari T,
Niemela. A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 1998;
102:879–884.3. Gales MA, Nguyen T-M. Sorbitol compared with xylitol in prevention
of dental caries. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34:98–100.4. Makinen KK, Bennett CA,
Hujoel PP, et al. Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J
Dent Res. 1995;74:1904–1913.5. Makinen KK, Hujoel PP, Bennett CA, et al. Polyol
chewing gums and caries rates in primary dentition: a 24-month cohort study. Caries
Res. 1996;30:408–417.6. Makinen KK, Pemberton D, Makinen P-L, et al. Polyol-
combinant saliva stimulants and oral health in Veterans Affairs patients—an
exploratory study. Spec Care Dent. 1996;16:104–115.7. Isokangas P, Alanen P,
Tiekso J, et al. Xylitol chewing gum in caries prevention: a field study in children. J Am
Dent Assoc. 1988;117:315–320.8. Scully C, Greenman J, Porter S, et al. Anti-caries
efficacy of xylitol and sodium fluoride in dentifrices [abstract]. Int Dent J. 1995;45:
325.9. Sintes JL, Escalante C, Stewart B, et al. Enhanced anticaries efficacy of a
0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentrifrice: 3-year clinical results. Am J
Dent. 1995;8:231–235. 10. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Niemela. A novel use of xylitol
sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 1998;102:879–884.11. Kontiokari
T, Uhari M, Koskela M. Antiadhesive effects of xylitol on otopathogenic bacteria. J
AntimicrobChemother. 1998;41:563–565.12. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Koskela M, et al.
Xylitol chewing gum in prevention of acute otitis media: double blind randomised trial.
BMJ. 1996;313:1180–1184. 13. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Niemela. A novel use of xylitol
sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 1998;102:879–884.14. Gales MA,
Nguyen T-M. Sorbitol compared with xylitol in prevention of dental caries. Ann
Pharmacother. 2000;34:98–100. 15. Makinen KK, Bennett CA, Hujoel PP, et al.
Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J Dent Res. 1995;74:
1904–1913. 16. Makinen KK, Hujoel PP, Bennett CA, et al. Polyol chewing gums and
caries rates in primary dentition: a 24-month cohort study. Caries Res. 1996;30:408–
417.17. Makinen KK, Pemberton D, Makinen P-L, et al. Polyol-combinant saliva
stimulants and oral health in Veterans Affairs patients—an exploratory study. Spec
Care Dent. 1996;16:104–115. 18. Isokangas P, Alanen P, Tiekso J, et al. Xylitol
chewing gum in caries prevention: a field study in children. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988;
117:315–320. 19. Sintes JL, Escalante C, Stewart B, et al. Enhanced anticaries
efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentrifrice: 3-year clinical
results. Am J Dent. 1995;8:231–235. 20. Makinen KK, Bennett CA, Hujoel PP, et al.
Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J Dent Res. 1995;74:
1904–1913. 21. Sintes JL, Escalante C, Stewart B, et al. Enhanced anticaries
efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentrifrice: 3-year clinical
results. Am J Dent. 1995;8:231–235. 22. Makinen KK, Pemberton D, Makinen P-L, et
al. Polyol-combinant saliva stimulants and oral health in Veterans Affairs patients—
an exploratory study. Spec Care Dent. 1996;16:104–115. 23. Alanen P, Isokangas P,
Gutmann K. Xylitol candies in caries prevention: results of a field study in Estonian
children. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2000;28:218–224. 24. Uhari M,
Kontiokari T, Niemela. A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing acute otitis media.
Pediatrics. 1998;102:879–884. 25. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Koskela M, et al. Xylitol
chewing gum in prevention of acute otitis media: double blind randomised trial. BMJ.
1996;313:1180–1184. 26. Thaweboon S et al, The effect of xylitol chewing gum on
mutans streptococci in saliva and dental plaque. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public
Health. 2004 Dec;35(4):1024-7. 27. Makinen KK et al, Similarity of the effects of
erythritol and xylitol on some risk factors of dental caries. Caries Res. 2005 May-Jun;
39(3):207-15. 28.Mattila PT, The effect of a simultaneous dietary administration of
xylitol and ethanol on bone resorption. Metabolism. 2005 Apr;54(4):548-51.] 29.
Mattila PT et al. Effects of a long-term dietary xylitol supplementation on collagen
content and fluorescence of the skin in aged rats. Gerontology. 2005 May-Jun;51(3):
166-9.] 30. Sahni PS et al. In vitro testing of xylitol as an anticariogenic agent. Gen
Dent. 2002 Jul-Aug;50(4):340-3. 31. Durairaj L Safety assessment of inhaled xylitol in
mice and healthy volunteers. Respir Res. 2004 Sep 16;5(1):13. 32. Hanakawa Y,
Hanakawa Y, Tohyama M, Yamasaki K, Hashimoto K. Xylitol as a causative agent of
oral erosive eczema.Br J Dermatol. 2005 Apr;152(4):821-2. 33. Meier M, Nitschke M,
Perras B, Steinhoff J. Ethylene glycol intoxication and xylitol infusion--metabolic steps
of oxalate-induced acute renal failure. Clin Nephrol. 2005 Mar;63(3):225-8. 34.
Dunayer EK Hypoglycemia following canine ingestion of xylitol-containing gum. Vet
Hum Toxicol. 2004 Apr;46(2):87-8. 35. Renal oxalosis with renal failure after infusion
of xylitol Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2001 Nov 30;126(48):1357-60. 35. Nyyssola A et al,
Production of xylitol from d-xylose by recombinant Lactococcus lactis J Biotechnol.
2005 May 22. A1 Pouillart P, Douillet O, Scappini B, Gozzini A, Santini V, Grossi A,
Pagliai G, Strippoli P, Rigacci L, Ronco G, Villa P. Regioselective synthesis and
biological profiling of butyric and phenylalkylcarboxylic esters derivated from D-
mannose and xylitol: influence of alkyl chain length on acute toxicity. Eur J Pharm Sci.
1999 Jan;7(2):93-106.Click here to read
are the rich sources of xylitol which has been demonstrated to have
benefits on preventing tooth cavities, plaque formation and ear infection
[1,2] and helping improve skin and bone conditions in rats.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
DENTAL CAVITIES AND PLAGUES
Studies have showed that xylitol gums, toothpastes and candies could
help develop fewer dental cavities than those receiving either placebo or
no treatment [3-9,14-10]. Xylitol may prevent cavities by inhibiting the
growth of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. [10] A double-blind placebo-
controlled study of 1,677 children showed that xylitol-enriched toothpaste
user developed significantly fewer cavities than those used the floride-
only toothpaste over a three year period. [21] While, a double-blinded
study showed that the effect of xylitol on developing fewer cavities was in
a dose-dependent fashion. [20]
Researchers from Thailand found xylitol chewing gums could effectively
reduce the levels of mutans streptococci in plaque and saliva in a study
of 91 children, aged 10-12. [26] Researchers from Finland discovered
that use of erythritol and xylitol was associated with a statistically
significant reduction in the plaque and saliva levels of mutans
streptococci from a study of 136 teenagers. [27]
EAR INFECTION
Studies have shown that xylitol (in chewing gum) could be a preventive
measure for middle ear infections [11-13, 24, 25].
OSTEOPOROSIS / BONE HEALTH (RESORPTION)
Studies have shown that dietary xylitol supplementation diminishes bone
resorption in rats, as well as protects against ovariectomy-induced
increase of bone resorption during experimental osteoporosis. 10% xylitol
combined with 10% ethanol seems to be more effective on diminishing
bone resorption and to increase bone mineral density and content in rats.
[28]
SKIN HEALTH / AGING
Dietary xylitol has been shown to increase the amounts of newly
synthesized collagen, and to decrease fluorescence of the collagenase-
soluble fraction in the skin of both healthy and diabetic rats. As in diabetic
rats, a decreased rate of collagen synthesis and increased collagen
fluorescence has also been detected in the skin of aged rats. [29]
ANTICARIOGENIC
Sahni PS et al at Indiana University suggested that xylitol is both
noncariogenic and anticariogenic. They believe that the ability of xylitol to
act as an anticariogenic agent is related to its ability to be transported
into caries-causing oral bacteria and inhibiting fermentation. [30]
XYLITOL SIDE EFFECTS
Xylitol appears to be safe. Limited xylitol side effects have been reported.
In general. Inhalation of aerosolized iso-osmotic xylitol is well-tolerated by
naive and atopic mice, and by healthy human volunteers. [31]
However, overdose of xylitol may cause serious side effects such as
stomach discomfort, diarrhea, oral erosive eczema or even acute renal
failure. [32, 33] Infusion of xylitol may cause renal oxalosis. [35]
Oral consumption of a large quantity of xylitol-containing gum was found
to induce severe hypoglycemia, collapse and seizures in a 9-mo-old
neutered male Labrador Retriever. In dogs, xylitol is a strong promoter of
insulin release and can cause severe hypoglycemia with ataxia, collapse
and seizures. In humans, xylitol has little to no effect on plasma insulin or
glucose levels [34]
References
1. Hildebrandt GH, Sparks BS. Maintaining mutans streptococci suppression with
xylitol chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc. 2000;131:909–916. 2. Uhari M, Kontiokari T,
Niemela. A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 1998;
102:879–884.3. Gales MA, Nguyen T-M. Sorbitol compared with xylitol in prevention
of dental caries. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34:98–100.4. Makinen KK, Bennett CA,
Hujoel PP, et al. Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J
Dent Res. 1995;74:1904–1913.5. Makinen KK, Hujoel PP, Bennett CA, et al. Polyol
chewing gums and caries rates in primary dentition: a 24-month cohort study. Caries
Res. 1996;30:408–417.6. Makinen KK, Pemberton D, Makinen P-L, et al. Polyol-
combinant saliva stimulants and oral health in Veterans Affairs patients—an
exploratory study. Spec Care Dent. 1996;16:104–115.7. Isokangas P, Alanen P,
Tiekso J, et al. Xylitol chewing gum in caries prevention: a field study in children. J Am
Dent Assoc. 1988;117:315–320.8. Scully C, Greenman J, Porter S, et al. Anti-caries
efficacy of xylitol and sodium fluoride in dentifrices [abstract]. Int Dent J. 1995;45:
325.9. Sintes JL, Escalante C, Stewart B, et al. Enhanced anticaries efficacy of a
0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentrifrice: 3-year clinical results. Am J
Dent. 1995;8:231–235. 10. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Niemela. A novel use of xylitol
sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 1998;102:879–884.11. Kontiokari
T, Uhari M, Koskela M. Antiadhesive effects of xylitol on otopathogenic bacteria. J
AntimicrobChemother. 1998;41:563–565.12. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Koskela M, et al.
Xylitol chewing gum in prevention of acute otitis media: double blind randomised trial.
BMJ. 1996;313:1180–1184. 13. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Niemela. A novel use of xylitol
sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 1998;102:879–884.14. Gales MA,
Nguyen T-M. Sorbitol compared with xylitol in prevention of dental caries. Ann
Pharmacother. 2000;34:98–100. 15. Makinen KK, Bennett CA, Hujoel PP, et al.
Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J Dent Res. 1995;74:
1904–1913. 16. Makinen KK, Hujoel PP, Bennett CA, et al. Polyol chewing gums and
caries rates in primary dentition: a 24-month cohort study. Caries Res. 1996;30:408–
417.17. Makinen KK, Pemberton D, Makinen P-L, et al. Polyol-combinant saliva
stimulants and oral health in Veterans Affairs patients—an exploratory study. Spec
Care Dent. 1996;16:104–115. 18. Isokangas P, Alanen P, Tiekso J, et al. Xylitol
chewing gum in caries prevention: a field study in children. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988;
117:315–320. 19. Sintes JL, Escalante C, Stewart B, et al. Enhanced anticaries
efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentrifrice: 3-year clinical
results. Am J Dent. 1995;8:231–235. 20. Makinen KK, Bennett CA, Hujoel PP, et al.
Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J Dent Res. 1995;74:
1904–1913. 21. Sintes JL, Escalante C, Stewart B, et al. Enhanced anticaries
efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentrifrice: 3-year clinical
results. Am J Dent. 1995;8:231–235. 22. Makinen KK, Pemberton D, Makinen P-L, et
al. Polyol-combinant saliva stimulants and oral health in Veterans Affairs patients—
an exploratory study. Spec Care Dent. 1996;16:104–115. 23. Alanen P, Isokangas P,
Gutmann K. Xylitol candies in caries prevention: results of a field study in Estonian
children. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2000;28:218–224. 24. Uhari M,
Kontiokari T, Niemela. A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing acute otitis media.
Pediatrics. 1998;102:879–884. 25. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Koskela M, et al. Xylitol
chewing gum in prevention of acute otitis media: double blind randomised trial. BMJ.
1996;313:1180–1184. 26. Thaweboon S et al, The effect of xylitol chewing gum on
mutans streptococci in saliva and dental plaque. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public
Health. 2004 Dec;35(4):1024-7. 27. Makinen KK et al, Similarity of the effects of
erythritol and xylitol on some risk factors of dental caries. Caries Res. 2005 May-Jun;
39(3):207-15. 28.Mattila PT, The effect of a simultaneous dietary administration of
xylitol and ethanol on bone resorption. Metabolism. 2005 Apr;54(4):548-51.] 29.
Mattila PT et al. Effects of a long-term dietary xylitol supplementation on collagen
content and fluorescence of the skin in aged rats. Gerontology. 2005 May-Jun;51(3):
166-9.] 30. Sahni PS et al. In vitro testing of xylitol as an anticariogenic agent. Gen
Dent. 2002 Jul-Aug;50(4):340-3. 31. Durairaj L Safety assessment of inhaled xylitol in
mice and healthy volunteers. Respir Res. 2004 Sep 16;5(1):13. 32. Hanakawa Y,
Hanakawa Y, Tohyama M, Yamasaki K, Hashimoto K. Xylitol as a causative agent of
oral erosive eczema.Br J Dermatol. 2005 Apr;152(4):821-2. 33. Meier M, Nitschke M,
Perras B, Steinhoff J. Ethylene glycol intoxication and xylitol infusion--metabolic steps
of oxalate-induced acute renal failure. Clin Nephrol. 2005 Mar;63(3):225-8. 34.
Dunayer EK Hypoglycemia following canine ingestion of xylitol-containing gum. Vet
Hum Toxicol. 2004 Apr;46(2):87-8. 35. Renal oxalosis with renal failure after infusion
of xylitol Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2001 Nov 30;126(48):1357-60. 35. Nyyssola A et al,
Production of xylitol from d-xylose by recombinant Lactococcus lactis J Biotechnol.
2005 May 22. A1 Pouillart P, Douillet O, Scappini B, Gozzini A, Santini V, Grossi A,
Pagliai G, Strippoli P, Rigacci L, Ronco G, Villa P. Regioselective synthesis and
biological profiling of butyric and phenylalkylcarboxylic esters derivated from D-
mannose and xylitol: influence of alkyl chain length on acute toxicity. Eur J Pharm Sci.
1999 Jan;7(2):93-106.Click here to read
XYLITOL side effects -
Facts, Benefits, Research Finds, zhion@zhion.com
updated on April 11, 2009
Facts, Benefits, Research Finds, zhion@zhion.com
updated on April 11, 2009
| What are the health benefits of taking xylitol? Studies have shown that xylitol may have health benefits on preventing tooth cavities, ear infections and periodontal diseases |
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Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Bladderwrack
Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
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Polycosanol
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NOTICE: Consumption of xylitol decreases levels of Strptococcus mutans in
saliva and plaque and inferentially lowers the risk of caries. Previously, xylitol
has been mistakenly stated as a potential anti-cancer agent in this article. In
fact, There are no studies showing that Xylitol is "anti-cancer" though, an in vitro
study suggested that xylitol butyric derivatives may have anti-cancer activities.
[A1]
saliva and plaque and inferentially lowers the risk of caries. Previously, xylitol
has been mistakenly stated as a potential anti-cancer agent in this article. In
fact, There are no studies showing that Xylitol is "anti-cancer" though, an in vitro
study suggested that xylitol butyric derivatives may have anti-cancer activities.
[A1]
THIS WEBSITE TALKS ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS,
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES.
ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER
FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES.
ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER
FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX
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