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Overview: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as an artificial sweetener. It tastes sweet but does not have as many calories as sugar. Xylitol is also used to reduce the risk of dental cavities because it can help slow down the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Common side effects may include bloating, gas, or loose stools. Xylitol is an ingredient in many different foods, gums, over-the-counter medicines, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. It can also be bought as a powder or liquid to sweeten foods or drinks.

Uses

What is xylitol used for?

Xylitol is commonly used as an artificial sweetener. It is also used to reduce the risk of dental cavities.

Note: Xylitol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Learn more about GRAS status here.

How does xylitol work (mechanism of action)?

Xylitol is a chemical that is naturally found in birch trees and some fruits. It is a sugar alcohol, which means that it does not have as many calories as sugar but still tastes sweet. The xylitol that is found in foods, drinks, and other products is usually made in a lab.

Xylitol is commonly used as an artificial sweetener in foods and drinks. Xylitol has fewer calories than sugar and does not raise your blood sugar levels as much or as quickly as pure sugar. This can be helpful for people with diabetes who need to monitor their sugar intake and blood sugar levels.

Xylitol is also added to gums, lozenges, mouthwashes, and toothpastes to help prevent dental cavities. It works by slowing down the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities. Although xylitol does seem to help reduce cavities in children with permanent teeth, its benefits in children with baby teeth and in adults are not well defined.

How should I store xylitol?

You should store xylitol according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of xylitol?

The most common side effects of xylitol are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bloating or gas
  • Loose stools or diarrhea

There may be other side effects of xylitol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of xylitol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of xylitol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Xylitol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using xylitol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use xylitol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use xylitol.

  • Birch sugar
  • Xylitol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific xylitol products they stock.

What should I know about xylitol before using it?

Xylitol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It can be added to foods, drinks, supplements, medicines, and other products, but it cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep xylitol out of the reach of children and animals. Even small amounts of xylitol can be toxic to dogs and some other animals, such as ferrets. Be aware that xylitol can be found in many different foods, including some baked goods, sugar-free ice cream, and nut butters. It is also in many sugar-free cough syrups and over-the-counter medicines and supplements. If your dog eats a product that contains xylitol, call your vet, emergency animal clinic, or animal poison control center right away. Poisoning from xylitol can happen quickly, causing symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, shaking, seizures, trouble walking, and coma, within as little as 20 minutes.

What should I tell my health care provider before using xylitol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if xylitol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how xylitol could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if xylitol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does xylitol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between xylitol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect xylitol.

Does xylitol interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between xylitol and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between xylitol and medicines are not fully understood. As with most substances that are added to foods, the research on drug interactions with xylitol is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking xylitol with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much xylitol?

If you or someone else has used too much xylitol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Xylitol is an ingredient found in many foods and dental products. Read all product labels closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use xylitol safely. If you are adding xylitol to your own foods and drinks, do not use more than the amount recommended on the product label.