Sep 9, 2026Science Nature130 words1 min read

Common Sweetener Xylitol Linked to Heart Attack Risk

0:00 / 0:00

Listen to the story

A new study looks at a popular sweetener called xylitol. People use xylitol instead of sugar. It is common in chewing gum and some foods.

The study says xylitol may cause health problems. It may increase the risk of heart attack. It may also increase the risk of stroke.

A heart attack happens when blood cannot reach the heart. A stroke happens when blood cannot reach the brain. Both are very serious.

The study looked at long-term health. This means health over many years, not just one day.

Many people eat sugar-free food to stay healthy. This study says some sugar substitutes may not be safe for everyone.

Doctors may need to study xylitol more. People should talk to a doctor about sweeteners if they worry about their heart.

Vocabulary3 words

1. What is xylitol?

2. What health problem is linked to xylitol in the study?

3. True or False: Xylitol is found in chewing gum.

1. A type of sweetener 2. Heart attack 3. True

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

A new study looks at a popular _____ called xylitol. People use xylitol instead of _____. It is common in chewing gum and some foods.

The study says xylitol may cause health problems. It may increase the _____ of heart attack. It may also increase the risk of _____.

A heart attack happens when blood cannot reach the _____. A stroke happens when blood cannot reach the brain. Both are very _____.

The study looked at long-term _____. This means health over many years, not just one day.

Many people eat sugar-free food to stay _____. This study says some sugar substitutes may not be safe for everyone.

Doctors may need to study xylitol more. People should talk to a _____ about sweeteners if they worry about their heart.