Xylitol Studies

The use of xylitol as a sweetener gained attention for its potential to reduce dental cavities. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in fruits and vegetables; it has a calorie content of 2.4 calories per gram. Typically used as a sugar replacer in diabetic foods and chewing gum and as a part of weight-loss programs, xylitol is sold in bulk and can be found in several products worldwide.

Control Groups

A study published in the European Journal of Dentistry in April 2009 discusses the research design flaws in studies using xylitol to prevent dental cavities. Most studies were not able to use a control group to measure the effects of carbohydrates promoting cavities to compare with the group that used xylitol. The lack of control groups meant that any data regarding xylitol's positive effect on lowering the incidence of cavities was inconclusive.

Streptococci

A study led by P. Milgrom and published in the Journal of Dental Research in 2006 tested xylitol's ability to decrease Mutan streptococci in the mouth, a bacteria that forms dental plaque in the mouth. Three groups of participants received different doses of gum containing xylitol. Mutan streptococci levels were measured at the beginning of the study, at five weeks and at six months. Researchers found that streptococci levels were 10 times lower in the two groups that used the highest levels of xylitol. They concluded that the minimal dose of xylitol is 6.82 g chewed three times a day to reduce streptococci of the mouth.

Gummy Bear Snacks

A study led by Keit Ly and published in BMC Oral Health in 2008 investigated the effect of xylitol consumption on the lactobacillus species of bacteria. Children in a Washington elementary school were chosen to participate in the study using xylitol containing gummy bears. Two doses of xylitol were tested by giving the children the gummy bear snacks three times per day. At week six, researchers found that lactobacillus levels were lowered in the highest dose of xylitol but not in the group with the second highest dose, and that a larger trial would be necessary to confirm results.

Insulin Production

A study published in Diabetologia in 1969 investigated the infusion of xylitol compared to glucose in the insulin response of dogs. Researchers found that insulin levels rose sharply in dogs infused with xylitol in the pancreas artery. When xylitol was infused into the veins of the dogs, there was little rise in insulin levels. The researchers concluded that xylitol has a stimulatory effect on insulin production.

Ear Infections

A study led by M. Uhari et al. and published in the British Medical Journal in 1996 tested the effectiveness of xylitol-containing gum on Streptococcus pneumoniae in preventing ear infections. Gum containing xylitol or sucrose was given over a two month period to 306 preschoolers with a history of ear infections. There was no significant difference in the frequency of ear infections between the two groups, although the xylitol group received the lowest amount of prescribed antibiotics for ear infections.