Xylitol

Study type not stated

• Open question

  Tooth decay in children²

  Xylitol in fluoride toothpaste may cut tooth decay in children, but scientists are not yet sure about other xylitol products.

• Concern

  Tooth decay and gut side effects³

  Xylitol may help prevent tooth decay, but eating too much can cause diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.