Is xylitol good for your teeth?

by shilan1770 on 2011-05-25 15:44:59

First, we need to know what xylitol is?

Xylitol is originally from Finland and is a natural plant sweetener extracted from plants such as birch and oak trees. It does not produce the acidic properties that cause cavities, can reduce cavity-causing bacteria and dental plaque, and can also be used as a sucrose substitute in diabetic foods. Dental associations around the world actively recommend using products with xylitol content exceeding 50% of sugar content. China began researching xylitol's anti-cavity properties in 1995 and established the Xylitol Dental Health Expert Group in August this year. Currently, there are three brands of chewing gum on the market that have been certified by the National Dental Prevention Group with xylitol content exceeding 50%: Power, Lotte, and Hua Ai Kang.

Xylitol is a sweet substance with nutritional value and is also a normal intermediate product of human carbohydrate metabolism. A healthy person will have 0.03-0.06 mg/100 mg of xylitol in their blood even if they do not consume any food containing xylitol. In nature, xylitol is widely present in various fruits and vegetables but in very low amounts. Commercial xylitol is produced through deep processing of agricultural crops such as corn cobs and sugarcane residue, making it a natural and healthy sweetener.

Xylitol is a white crystal, similar in appearance to sucrose, and is the sweetest sweetener among polyols. It has a cool taste, sweetness equivalent to sucrose, and calories equivalent to glucose. It is considered the sweetener of the future and a substitute for sucrose and glucose.

Xylitol is a white crystal with an appearance and taste similar to sucrose. In terms of food grade, xylitol can be defined broadly as a carbohydrate or narrowly as a polyol. Since xylitol is only slowly absorbed or partially utilized, its low calorie content is one of its key features: each gram contains 2.4 calories, which is 40% less than other carbohydrates. Xylitol began being applied in food since the 1960s. In some countries, it is a popular sweetener among diabetics. In the United States, it can be added to food without restriction for certain special purposes.

Xylitol is the best sweetener for preventing cavities, having been certified under different circumstances over the past 25 years. The property of xylitol reducing cavities applies to both high-risk groups (high cavity incidence, poor nutrition, low oral hygiene) and low-risk groups (utilizing all current tooth protection measures, low cavity formation rate). Chewing gums and candies primarily sweetened with xylitol have been officially recognized by dental health associations in six countries.

Xylitol also has side effects

When xylitol chewing gum becomes a "tooth-friendly" item during people's leisure time; when xylitol foods bring "blessings" to diabetic patients; and when xylitol beverages become "healthy" items on the dining table, some consumers may not know that xylitol foods should not be consumed excessively, otherwise, they might cause adverse reactions to the body.

Misunderstanding: Eating too much xylitol upsets the stomach and intestines

"Whether after meals or while walking, I like to chew gum, brands like Lotte, Extra, and Orion always accompany me." On September 6, Ms. Yang from Shenyang told reporters: "I only buy xylitol gum because it doesn't contain sucrose and is 'beneficial for dental health.' Both my husband and I love chewing it, so we always buy several packs whenever we visit the supermarket."

"I chew gum almost all day except when eating or sleeping. Also, due to my family history of diabetes, I usually eat xylitol rice, flour, cookies, and sesame paste, and even drink xylitol beverages to prevent diabetes. This has been going on for some time now. However, recently, I often feel uncomfortable in my gastrointestinal tract, lose my appetite, and I informed the doctor about my condition." At this point, Ms. Yang paused for a moment, "The doctor told me that because xylitol metabolizes slowly, consuming too much could easily cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort. My symptoms were caused by excessive consumption of xylitol and other 'sugar-free' foods."

Market Investigation: Many products are labeled as "xylitol"

Yesterday afternoon, reporters visited a "sugar-free food specialty store" on Beisanjing Street in Shenyang. Here, the "xylitol" foods were abundant, including cookies, candies, milk powder, saqi ma (Chinese snack), and even rice and flour products. A salesperson told reporters: "Nowadays, xylitol foods sell quite well, generally consumed by diabetic patients and those who focus on health preservation. They don't contain sucrose and are very beneficial to one's health."

When asked, "Would eating too many xylitol foods affect health?" The salesperson chuckled and said, "You really don't know much. Haven't you heard of xylitol foods? Eating more of them is even better for your health!"

Seeing the reporter's skeptical expression, he continued, "Not just for diabetic patients, regular people benefit from frequent consumption as well! It can even help prevent diabetes!"

Reporters then visited the Lotte Mart supermarket near the Changke Bus Terminal in Shenyang. The gum section was filled with dozens of types of "xylitol" gum. Picking up a bottle of "Lotte +2 formula" sugar-free gum, reporters noticed that it only had the words "beneficial for dental health," without any mention of "excessive intake may lead to discomfort or obesity," and other similar branded products were the same.

"Lotte xylitol gum tastes good and is beneficial for dental health. Most of the gum sold in stores is xylitol gum, though it is relatively more expensive," a salesperson promoting the products said.

Reporters asked, "Would chewing too much cause bodily discomfort?"

"No, no," she quickly explained, "Xylitol staying in the mouth for some time enhances its cavity-prevention effect, so now everyone buys xylitol gum. But you shouldn't chew too much, as it might not be good either."

During the market investigation, reporters found that some merchants played word games with consumers, exaggerating the literal meaning of "sugar-free." "Sugar-free" does not mean without sugar; it just contains monosaccharides or disaccharides. Some products label themselves as "no sucrose" but clearly state in the ingredients list that they contain white sugar, misleading consumers by using another term for sucrose.

Merchant Reaction: No Need for Warning Labels

After the market investigation, reporters called the customer service hotline of Lotte (China) Food Co., Ltd. A customer service representative responded to the situation reported: "Lotte xylitol gum has excellent effects in preventing tooth decay. The reason why Lotte xylitol +2 gum claims 'it can repair cavities' is because it contains carrageenan and calcium hydrogen phosphate. If you chew too much gum, you might feel nauseous or experience gastrointestinal discomfort."

Regarding the claim that "foreign xylitol products usually have warning labels," the customer service representative stated: "There is no mandatory regulation or requirement from the country in this regard. Moreover, other manufacturers producing xylitol products haven't done this either. We've considered it, but haven't implemented it yet."

A manager of a sugar-free food specialty store claimed: "Sugar-free foods on the market, from beverages and milk powder to cookies and chocolates, are selling extremely well. There's a reason why they're so popular. Consuming more might have a slight impact on health, but it's negligible." Reporters learned that a significant portion of self-labeled sugar-free foods are actually "with sugar." Would diabetic patients harm their health if they over-consumed these "sugar-free" products? He firmly replied, "Of course not, otherwise, they wouldn't develop sugar-free foods!" Regarding the use of warning language, he believed it was "completely unnecessary!"

Consumer Association Statement: Xylitol Foods Should Not Be Overly Promoted

In response to consumer complaints, Director Feng of the Complaint Supervision Department of the Provincial Consumer Association said: "Manufacturers should mark the functions of their products and the possible adverse effects after consumption on the packaging."

Director Feng emphasized: "Manufacturers should fully respect the right to know of consumers." Because the right to know is clearly stipulated in China's "Consumer Rights Protection Law": "Consumers have the right to know the true situation of the goods they purchase or services they receive. Since excessive intake of xylitol can cause harm to the body, manufacturers should indicate on the product packaging 'Excessive intake may cause diarrhea,' providing consumers with a consumption warning. This allows consumers to pay attention during consumption and avoid harming their bodies."

Director Feng believed that according to the provisions of the "Advertising Law": "The content of advertisements for food, alcohol, and cosmetics must comply with the matters approved by health permits and shall not use medical terminology or terms easily confused with drugs." He also told reporters: "Words like 'blood sugar reduction' cannot be used casually. Many users of sugar-free foods in the market are special populations such as diabetic patients, and the promotional instructions of the products are very important for guiding consumers. Some packages of sugar-free foods claim to have blood sugar-reducing therapeutic effects, which seriously violates the 'Advertising Law,' and merchants should correct this behavior as soon as possible."

Expert Warning: Xylitol Should Be Objectively Treated

The reporter consulted a professional in the food industry, who introduced: "In fact, xylitol, like glucose, is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen elements, making it a carbohydrate. Initially in metabolism, xylitol may not require insulin participation, but in later stages, it needs insulin promotion. Therefore, xylitol cannot replace glucose to correct metabolic disorders or lower blood sugar and urine sugar levels or improve clinical symptoms. Clinical practice shows that xylitol cannot treat diabetes, and excessive consumption can increase triglycerides in the blood, leading to coronary artery atherosclerosis."

At the same time, it is worth noting that main course-type sugar-free foods (cakes, mooncakes, etc.), although advertised as made with xylitol and free of sugar, are still composed of materials like flour. Unrestrained overconsumption can also lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetic patients should not consume xylitol-containing foods excessively.

This insider also warned consumers: "Compared to ordinary granulated sugar, xylitol has the advantage of fewer calories and to a certain extent helps clean teeth. However, the body metabolizes xylitol slowly, and once it enters the body, it tends to accumulate in the intestinal wall, causing osmotic diarrhea. Excessive consumption may also result in side effects such as diarrhea, which should not be ignored. Generally speaking, considering the physical constitution of Chinese people, the total daily intake of xylitol should not exceed 50 grams."