Xylitol Health Risks

Xylitol has been used as a sugar substitute for more than 100 years. Although it may present a few very minor health concerns, it offers a variety of benefits as well.

Minor Side Effects

• In the late 20th century, a study done in Finland proved that xylitol is well-tolerated by the human body, even when consumed in amounts of 22 teaspoons a day. The only complaint listed among study participants was a temporary laxative effect and more gas than usual.

Cavity Prevention

• The same study showed that people who regularly ingest xylitol reduce their risk of dental cavities by up to 85 percent, because it destroys the acid that lives in the mouth and causes cavities.

Indigestion

• Individuals who suffer from heartburn and indigestion have also noticed an improvement after making xylitol a part of their diets.

Xylitol in the Intestines

• Previously, there has been some concern that xylitol's bacteria-killing property may also destroy the good bacteria in the intestines. However, xylitol already occurs naturally in the body and has no known negative effects on the intestines.

Dogs and Xylitol

• Although xylitol has been proven to be beneficial to humans, it is harmful and sometimes fatal for dogs. A small dog can die from as few as two pieces of gum with xylitol.