The Lab
Specimen No. 0209
CautionDerivedsweetenerfood additive

Xylitol

CAS 87-99-0 · E967 · birch sugar · wood sugar

A sugar alcohol common in sugar-free gum, mints and some peanut butters. A 2024 Cleveland Clinic study linked higher blood xylitol to cardiovascular events and showed it promotes clotting in lab/animal models (association, not proven cause). Separately, it is lethally toxic to dogs.

high confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • In a 2024 Cleveland Clinic study (Witkowski et al., European Heart Journal), higher circulating xylitol was associated with increased 3-year risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, and xylitol enhanced multiple measures of platelet reactivity and promoted thrombosis in laboratory and animal models; drinking a xylitol-sweetened beverage raised plasma xylitol and platelet responsiveness in volunteers — an association plus mechanistic signal, not proven human causation, warranting further study
  • Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts, rapidly causing dangerous hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure and death (FDA consumer warning) — a serious household pet-poisoning hazard; this canine toxicity does not apply to humans but matters for homes with dogs

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: NL
  • EDC Status: None
  • Regulatory: US: GRAS (FDA); EU: authorized as E967
  • Pet hazard: FDA — lethal to dogs
  • Evidence Grade: B

Commonly found in

Sugar-free gumMintsSugar-free candyToothpasteSome peanut buttersCough syrups

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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