A low-calorie sweetener found in popular snacks may raise risk of stroke or heart attack, suggests Study

Not even your toothpaste is safe from the hidden dangers lurking in low-calorie sweeteners. A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that a low-calorie sweetener found in hundreds of popular snacks, toothpaste, and gum may significantly raise the risk of stroke or heart attack. The sugar substitute, xylitol, was initially hailed as a healthy alternative because it exists naturally in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, distinguishing it from wholly synthetic substitutes like Splenda. However, these healthy hopes may have been gravely misplaced.

In a study involving 3,000 adults, researchers found that those who consumed the most xylitol were nearly twice as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack within three years compared to those who consumed limited quantities. Xylitol is absorbed directly into the blood upon consumption, where it activates platelets, making them more prone to clumping together. This increased platelet activity can lead to the formation of clots that clog the blood vessels of the heart and brain, raising the likelihood of stroke or heart attack.