Sugar substitutes linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke

The team, led by Stanley Hazen, confirmed the association in a large-scale patient analysis, preclinical research models and a clinical intervention study. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal.

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute used in sugar-free candy, gums, baked goods and oral products like toothpaste. Over the past decade, the use of sugar substitutes, including sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, has increased significantly in processed foods that are promoted as healthy alternatives.

The same research team found a similar link between erythritol and cardiovascular risk last year. Xylitol is not as prevalent as erythritol in keto or sugar-free food products in the U.S. but is common in other countries.