DENTAL CAVITIES AND PLAGUES

Studies have showed that xylitol gums, toothpastes and candies could
help develop fewer dental cavities than those receiving either placebo
or no treatment. Xylitol may prevent cavities by inhibiting
the growth of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. A double-blind
placebo-controlled study of 1,677 children showed that xylitol-
enriched toothpaste user developed significantly fewer cavities than
those used the floride-only toothpaste over a three year period.
While, a double-blinded study showed that the effect of xylitol on
developing fewer cavities was in a dose-dependent fashion.

Researchers from Thailand found xylitol chewing gums could effectively
reduce the levels of mutans streptococci in plaque and saliva in a
study of 91 children, aged 10-12. Researchers from Finland
discovered that use of erythritol and xylitol was associated with a
statistically significant reduction in the plaque and saliva levels of
mutans streptococci from a study of 136 teenagers.

EAR INFECTION

Studies have shown that xylitol (in chewing gum) could be a
preventive measure for middle ear infections

OSTEOPOROSIS / BONE HEALTH (RESORPTION)

Studies have shown that dietary xylitol supplementation diminishes
bone resorption in rats, as well as protects against ovariectomy-
induced increase of bone resorption during experimental
osteoporosis. 10% xylitol combined with 10% ethanol seems to be
more effective on diminishing bone resorption and to increase bone
mineral density and content in rats.

SKIN HEALTH / AGING

Dietary xylitol has been shown to increase the amounts of newly
synthesized collagen, and to decrease fluorescence of the
collagenase-soluble fraction in the skin of both healthy and diabetic
rats. As in diabetic rats, a decreased rate of collagen synthesis and
increased collagen fluorescence has also been detected in the skin of
aged rats.

ANTI-CANCER

Sahni PS et al at Indiana University suggested that xylitol is both
noncariogenic and anticariogenic. They believe that the ability of
xylitol to act as an anticariogenic agent is related to its ability to be
transported into caries-causing oral bacteria and inhibiting
fermentation.

XYLITOL SIDE EFFECTS

Xylitol appears to be safe. Limited xylitol side effects have been
reported. In general. Inhalation of aerosolized iso-osmotic xylitol is
well-tolerated by naive and atopic mice, and by healthy human
volunteers.

However, overdose of xylitol may cause serious side effects such as
stomach discomfort, diarrhea, oral erosive eczema or even acute renal
failure. Infusion of xylitol may cause renal oxalosis.

Oral consumption of a large quantity of xylitol-containing gum was
found to induce severe hypoglycemia, collapse and seizures in a 9-mo-
old neutered male Labrador Retriever. In dogs, xylitol is a strong
promoter of insulin release and can cause severe hypoglycemia with
ataxia, collapse and seizures. In humans, xylitol has little to no effect
on plasma insulin or glucose levels