What is Xylitol?

Question: I see that Spiffies Tooth Wipes are made of Xylitol, but I have never heard about it before. What is Xylitol and is it safe?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener.

Xylitol is found in many plants and fruits. It is as sweet as regular sugar, but 40% lower in calories! Xylitol is produced in nature in small amounts, but can be manufactured in large amounts from xylose. Xylitol was approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1963.

Xylitol is good for you.

In addition to its advantages of being a natural sweetener and lower in calories regular sugar, Xylitol provides significant health benefits. Clinical studies have shown Xylitol use prevents cavities (also known as dental caries) and even stops or reverses tooth decay. There is also evidence that Xylitol is effective in preventing or reducing ear and sinus infections-(great news for parents with children prone to ear infectons!). Because Xylitol is very slowly metabolized and does not raise insulin levels, and its use reduces many health problems associated with high-sugar intake. Diabetics can safely use Xylitol as a sweetener, and there are plenty of Xylitol recipes, avaiable.

How Xylitol works:

Most bacteria, including Streptococcus Mutans germs that live in the mouth and cause cavities, thrive on sugars with six carbon atoms (such as glucose and fructose) for their energy and growth. Xylose, is a five-carbon sugar that is not easily digested by bacteria, and actually inhibits their growth and proliferation. Consistent use of Xylitol actually stops the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Xylitol Studies Prove Benefits:

Clinical studies conducted over the last 30 years have proven that Xylitol prevents tooth decay and plaque formation. In studies of 500 and 1,000 children who chewed gum containing Xylitol compared to those who did not, existing cavities were healed, and cavities not only did not increase, but decay was actually reduced over the time of the study.

Why You’re Just Now Hearing About Xylitol:

Xylitol was developed commercially in Finland in response to sugar shortages during World War II. Finland was also among the first countries to study the health benefits of Xylitol and make it available in chewing gum. Currently, more than 35 countries have approved the use of Xylitol in foods, pharmaceutical and oral hygiene products. While Xylitol has been up to 20 times more expensive than sugar and other sweeteners, increased demand because of its health benefits is bringing down the price and making it more readily available.

Resources:
Xylitol Abstract
Xylitol Facts
Dr. Mercola

Xylitol Commercials from around the world:
Xylitol Gum Commercial 1
Xylitol Gum Commercial 2
Xylitol Gum Commercial 3



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