Xylitol is a natural sugar found in plants and fruits like strawberries, raspberries and plums. Xylitol sweetener is obtained primarily from the white birch tree that is then processed and used to sweeten gum, candy, syrups and toothpastes. Xylitol is beneficial to oral health in preventing cavities, treating ear infections, and is a good low calorie and safe alternative to sugar. Xylitol is considered safe to use with little to no side effects, but always talk to your doctor prior to self-treating or taking more than the recommended daily dose.
Prevents Dental Cavities
According to NYU Langone Medical Center, xylitol sweetener inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans which is a type of bacteria that causes dental cavities. Xylitol gum, candy and toothpaste can help prevent cavities and NYU Langone Medical Center reports that children who use xylitol-enriched toothpastes have significantly lower cavities than children who use fluoride-only toothpastes. Regular use of xylitol by mothers of newborns may provide some protection against cavities for their babies since children can acquire cavity-causing bacteria directly from their mothers.
Ear Infection Treatment
NYU Langone Medical Center states that xylitol inhibits the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza, two types of bacteria responsible for ear infections. According to the Michigan Department of Pediatrics, xylitol chewing gum is effective at preventing acute ear infections in children when 8.4 g divided up between 5 doses per day is taken. Xylitol syrup is also effective in preventing acute ear infections in children when 10 g per day divided up between 5 doses.
Low Calorie
Xylitol is an odorless powder that is sweet and provides one third fewer calories than sugar, according to the Calorie Control Council. Xylitol is slowly absorbed by the body, making it helpful for people with diabetes to control and regulate their sugar intake. Xylitol contains 2.4 calories per gram as opposed to 4 calories per gram for sugar. It is a safe, natural alternative to sugar, making it an ideal sugar substitute for people dieting or watching their sugar intake.
Safe Sugar Alternative
Since the 1960s, xylitol has been used as a sweetening agent in food and is approved for use in foods, pharmaceuticals and oral health products in over 35 countries, according to the Calorie Control Council. In the United States it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a direct food additive for special dietary use foods. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, an advisory body to the World Health Organization, gave xylitol the safest rating that can be placed on a food additive.
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