Xylitol has been recognized as a potential sugar substitute for more than 100 years. It can be found in fruits, berries and other plants, and a small amount is also produced naturally in the human body. Its use in food, candy and chewing gum has increased significantly since Finland began producing it commercially in the 1970s, and it now can be found worldwide. The WHO, FAO and FDA have all approved its use in food products.
Dental Health
The American Dental Association has long encouraged the chewing of sugar-free gum in keeping teeth clean and free of plaque. Besides increasing saliva production, which is the conventional way gum-chewing helps prevent cavities, studies indicate xylitol has the added benefit of inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria responsible for producing cavities. Xylitol gum is only effective in inhibiting plaque build-up if chewed at least three times per day (preferably immediately after meals) for a minimum of five minutes at a time.
Diabetic and Low-Calorie Diets
Xylitol has been used as a sugar substitute in diabetic diet foods since the 1960s. According to xylitolinfo.com, an industry website, xylitol doesn't negatively interact with insulin, so is safe to use as a sweetener. Because it is about as sweet as regular sugar, it can be used spoon for spoon to replace sugar, although it can have a laxative effect if ingested in large amounts. The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine says that chewing more than 10 to 20 pieces of gum or candy might also cause a laxative effect.
Compared to Sorbitol
According to a 2006 study reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association, sorbitol, the most commonly used sugar substitute in the U.S., is not as effective as xylitol in preventing cavities, but is less expensive. Sorbitol, which is about 60 percent as sweet as sugar, has low carcinogenicity, but xylitol is non-carcinogenic, meaning no cancers have been associated with its use.
Dogs and Xylitol Don't Mix
While ingesting large amounts of xylitol may have a mild laxative effect on humans, the effect in dogs is more serious. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, a growing number of dogs are being treated for xylitol toxicity. When dogs eat too much of a product with xylitol, they may experience a drop in blood pressure, which could lead to respiratory depression, loss of coordination or seizures. These symptoms can occur suddenly or over a period of 12 hours, depending on how much xylitol the dog consumed.
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