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Xylitol

Health Benefits
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Physical Properties

Xylitol Health Benefits

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Oral Health

Xylitol is best known for its ability to fight cavities. Xylitol consumption has been repeatedly shown to reduce cavities in peer reviewed scientific journals. Moreover, the same studies indicate that Xylitol consumption results in the re-mineralization, or strengthening, of tooth enamel. For example, chewing Xylitol gum has been shown to be as effective as teeth sealants in preventing cavities.(1-5) This anti-cavity effect is due to Xylitol’s anti-bacterial characteristics.

Bone Health

Xylitol has been shown to increase calcium absorption in the body. Additionally, consumption has been linked to bone re-mineralization, or bone strengthening.(6-10)

Skin Health

Studies indicate that Xylitol consumption increases skin thickness and collagen content in animals. Skin lotions that contain Xylitol, have been shown to reduce bacteria and increase dermal hydration, with its high moisture affinity.(11,12)

Metabolism/Diabetes Management

There are 14 million diabetics in the US alone. These individuals are sensitive to high glycemic foods. The body derives energy from Xylitol in two ways. Both metabolic pathways are independent of the glucose-insulin route that causes glycemic stress. Xylitol has a very low glycemic index of 7 and is safe for consumption by diabetics. Several studies have shown that Xylitol ingestion results in no increase in blood glucose levels. Similar studies have shown that long term Xylitol consumption by diabetics is an excellent way to control blood glucose levels.(13-16) Xylitol has a calorie content of 2.4 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per grams in sugar.

The human body naturally produces up to 15 grams of Xylitol a day in the course of normal metabolism.(13) A large portion of Xylitol consumed is absorbed and fits into this metabolic route. The rest passes to the gut where it is converted into short chain fatty acids. Sugar alcohols are generally associated with having a laxative effect. Xylitol, of all the polyols, has the least such effect, with human tolerances upwards of 15 times that of sorbitol. Studies have shown that regular high levels of consumption have minimal to no laxative effect.(13,17)

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  1. Alanen P, Holsti ML, Pienihakkinen K. Sealants and Xylitol chewing gum are equal in caries prevention. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica 2000;58:279-84.
  2. Alanen P. Xylitol in caries prevention; Public health aspects. Journal of Dental Research 2000;79:1288.
  3. Trahan L. Microbial mechanisms of action of Xylitol in caries prevention. Journal of Dental Research 2000;79:1288.
  4. Roberts MC, Riedy CA, Coldwell SE, Nagahama S, Judge K, Lam M et al. How Xylitol-containing products affect cariogenic bacteria. Journal of the American Dental Association 2002;133:435-41.
  5. Lynch H, Milgrom P. Xylitol and dental caries; an overview for clinicians. Journal of the California Dental Association 2003;31:205-09.
  6. Mattila PT, Svanberg MJ, Jamsa T, Knuuttila MLE. Improved bone biomechanical properties in Xylitol-fed aged rats. Metabolism-Clinical and Experimental 2002;51:92-96.
  7. Mattila PT, Svanberg MJ, Knuuttila MLE. Increased bone volume and bone mineral content in Xylitol-fed aged rats. Gerontology 2001;47:300-05.
  8. Mattila PT, Svanberg MJ, Makinen KK, Knuuttila MLE. Dietary Xylitol, sorbitol and D-mannitol but not erythritol retard bone resorption in rats. Journal of Nutrition 1996;126:1865-70.
  9. Mattila PT, Kangasmaa H, Knuuttila MLE. The effect of a simultaneous dietary administration of Xylitol and ethanol on bone resorption. Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental 2005;54:548-51.
  10. Svanberg M, Mattila P, Knuuttila M. Dietary Xylitol retards the ovariectomy-induced increase of bone turnover in rats. Calcified Tissue International 1997;60:462-66.
  11. Katsuyama M, Kobayashi Y, Ichikawa H, Mizuno A, Miyachi Y, Matsunaga K et al. A novel method to control the balance of skin microflora Part 2. A study to assess the effect of a cream containing farnesol and Xylitol on atopic dry skin. Journal of Dermatological Science 2005;38:207-13.
  12. Mattila PT, Pelkonen P, Knuuttila MLE. Effects of a Long-Term Dietary Xylitol Supplementation on Collagen Content and Fluorescence of the Skin in Aged Rats. Gerontology 2005;51:166-69.
  13. Olinger PM, Pepper T. Xylitol, In: Nabors LO, editor. Alternative Sweeteners. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.; 2001. p. 335-65.
  14. Yamagata S, Goto Y, Ohneda A, Anzai M, Kawashima S, Shiba M. Clinical Effects of Xylitol on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diabtes. Lancet 1965;2:918-21.
  15. Huttunen JK, Maekinen KK, Scheinin A. Effects of sucrose, fructose, and Xylitol diets on glucose, lipid and urate metabolism. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica 1975;33:239-45.
  16. Mueller-Hess R, Clifford AJ. Effects of oral Xylitol administration on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in normal subjects. Infusions-therapie 1975;2:247-52.
  17. FAO/WHO. Summary of toxicalogical data of certain food additives, Twenty-first Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Geneva, WHO Technical Report Series No. 617. 1978. p. 124-27.

 
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