Low-calorie sweeteners are having a rough go as of late. Last July, the World Health Organization warned of aspartame’s possible cancer-causing properties in humans. (Our analysis of that here.) Now, researchers have found a link between consuming large amounts of the low-calorie sweetener xylitol and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that sweetens many reduced-sugar foods, baked goods, chewing gums, and toothpastes. The team, led by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, published their findings today in the European Heart Journal.
