Does Xylitol Cause Cancer?

Xylitol is an all-natural sweetener found in fruit, vegetables, and even trees. There is no conclusive research that shows xylitol causes cancer. Xylitol’s effects on the human body have been studied for decades, and no evidence exists that xylitol causes cancer. One study showed a possible correlation in lab mice eating an excessive diet of xylitol. Some of the mice that developed bladder stones during the research also had malignant tumors; however, the research doesn’t claim how many mice out of the total developed tumors, and it only occurred in the male subjects. This correlation doesn’t explain causation and can’t be used as a basis for any claim of xylitol causing cancer.

In contrast, a study published by the American Association for Cancer Research shows how researchers found that lab rats with pre-existing tumors experienced significantly less tumor growth when given a 10% IV solution of xylitol as opposed to that of regular table sugar. New studies show that xylitol could also treat lung cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation and stimulating autophagy.

Gastrointestinal Issues?

Xylitol can cause some individuals to experience gastrointestinal issues such as an abnormal amount of flatulence, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. These effects come on if a person eats more than approximately fifteen grams of xylitol a day. For many people xylitol doesn’t cause these negative effects. In one study, participants consumed an average of 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) of xylitol per month with no negative side effects.

Most sugar alcohols have this possible effect, with the only exception being erythritol. However, the body does adapt to the xylitol, so over time your body will grow more used to higher amounts of xylitol consumption.

Xylitol and Dogs

While not harmful to humans, xylitol is often fatal to dogs. If you have a dog, keep all of your xylitol products away from it the same way you keep chemicals away from a child.

In addition to dogs, xylitol has also shown to be fatal to wild birds. If you keep a bird feeder outdoors, don’t sweeten it with xylitol.

Xylitol is Safe for Human Consumption

Decades of research have proven that Xylitol has no toxicity in humans. Recent research has shown that multiple exposures of small amounts of xylitol every day can have significant positive health impacts, including healthier teeth, prevention of ear infections, and reducing periodontal disease. Diabetics can even use it, as it has a glycemic index of seven, compared to regular sugar’s GI of 100.