Is Xylitol Harmful?

It has been shown that xylitol has several benefits for dental health, although it is true that in certain isolated cases it can be ‘bad’ – in other words, it can cause certain reactions in the body. Let’s take a quick look at these so you can put your mind at rest.

Firstly, xylitol is not completely absorbed in the gut, so it can cause digestive problems such as flatulence or diarrhoea. However, this is only an issue if consumed in high doses, and it is highly unlikely that this would happen simply by eating xylitol mints.

It is not recommended to consume more than 0.5g of xylitol per kilogram of body weight per day [according to xylosan.com]. For example, if you weigh 80kg, you should not consume more than 40g of xylitol a day.

We would like to emphasise that to experience the benefits of xylitol, you simply need to consume more than 5g a day. Therefore, for most people who eat xylitol sweets, the likelihood of experiencing digestive problems is virtually zero.

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or are sensitive to FODMAPs, bear in mind that xylitol may make your symptoms worse, particularly in high doses.

Another very important factor is that xylitol is very, very toxic to dogs, as it triggers a massive release of insulin which can lead to severe hypoglycaemia and liver damage.

In short, avoid high doses to prevent digestive problems, and if you have diabetes or ISS, it is advisable to take only the necessary dose (around 6g a day) to reap the benefits, and then monitor the effects. Xylitol must never be given to dogs under any circumstances.

Although there may be some unwanted side effects, xylitol is a natural sweetener that offers a number of oral-health benefits if consumed sensibly and in moderation.