A new study has found that xylitol, a sweetener often used in chewing gum, toothpaste, jam, yoghurt, and ice cream, may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. The research studied 17,710 people and looked at the amount of xylitol in their blood. People with the highest xylitol levels were much more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, or die within six years.

Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol that is used to make food and drinks taste sweet without using sugar. Scientists believe that xylitol may cause blood to clot more easily, which can block blood vessels. This may be why people with more xylitol in their blood have more heart problems.

The main result of the study is that higher xylitol levels are linked to greater risk of serious heart problems. The study did not prove that xylitol causes these problems, but it shows a strong connection. Experts say more research is needed to understand if xylitol is really dangerous.