Xylitol's health effects on teeth, infections and body weight
What it found
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener that may help prevent tooth decay, gum inflammation and some infections, and may help with blood sugar, obesity and digestion.
In large amounts it can cause side effects like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and kidney stones.
What they found
Dental plaque and gums
Xylitol has a significant antiplaque effect on the teeth surface and can reduce gum inflammation. It is used as a preventive agent for tooth decay because it decreases the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sangui at very early stages.
Tooth enamel and bones
Xylitol can bind with calcium ions, which leads to remineralization of tooth enamel. It is also able to prevent osteoporosis.
Ear and respiratory infections
Xylitol can treat respiratory tract and middle ear diseases because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential. It can prevent some diseases that cannot be cured through antibiotics or surgery.
Constipation, diabetes, obesity
Xylitol can reduce constipation, diabetes, obesity and other body syndromes or illnesses. It also has a stimulating effect on digestion and the immune system.
Side effects
When consumed in excessive amounts, xylitol can produce side effects such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).
How it is taken
Different vehicles are used for delivering xylitol into the human body, but chewing gums occupy a leading position.
What the authors conclude
“The present review is devoted to comprehensive analyses of the positive and negative effects of this polyol on human health.”
Also in their conclusions
- They state that the health benefits of xylitol are not limited to oral hygiene.
- They report that xylitol efficiently stimulates the immune system, digestion, lipid and bone metabolism.
- They say xylitol helps in glycemic and obesity control and reduces ear and respiratory infections.
How it was done
Many diseases, including tooth decay, chronic inflammatory diseases, diabetes and obesity, are linked to uncontrolled sugar consumption. Artificial sweeteners are commonly used as sugar substitutes to help prevent dental and body diseases and to restrict simple sugar intake.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This is a review of other research, not a new experiment, so it cannot prove that xylitol directly causes any of these effects.
- The findings come from a mix of laboratory, animal and human studies, and the review does not separate them, so it is unclear how much applies to people.
- The review does not give doses or how long xylitol was used, so it cannot show what amount is needed for benefits or side effects.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ukraine; Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Ukraine; University of Sassari, Italy
The paper
- Title
- Health benefits of xylitol
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Gasmi Benahmed A, Gasmi A, Arshad M, et al (2020). Health benefits of xylitol. Applied microbiology and biotechnology. doi:10.1007/s00253-020-10708-7PubMed 32638045DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error