What is xylitol used for: Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs

09.09.202311.06.2023 by alexxlab

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Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs

This sugar substitute, found in some human foods and dental products, can be poisonous to your dog.

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Your six-month-old puppy, Hoover, will eat anything that isn’t tied down. Like many dog owners, you know chocolate can be dangerous to your pooch. But you may not know that if Hoover sticks his nose in your handbag and eats a pack of sugarless chewing gum, the consequences could be deadly.

Sugarless gum may contain xylitol, a class of sweetener known as sugar alcohol. Xylitol is present in many products and foods for human use, but can have devastating effects on your pet.

If you think your dog may have eaten a product containing xylitol, call your vet, emergency clinic, or animal poison control center right away.

Over the past several years, the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received several reports—many of which pertained to chewing gum—of dogs being poisoned by xylitol, according to Martine Hartogensis, a veterinarian at the FDA. The most recent report was related to “skinny” (sugar-free) ice cream.

And you may have heard or read news stories about dogs that have died or become very ill after eating products containing xylitol , which also may be known as birch sugar or wood sugar.

Other Foods Containing Xylitol

Gum isn’t the only product containing xylitol. Slightly lower in calories than sugar, this sugar substitute is also often used to sweeten sugar-free candy, such as mints and chocolate bars, as well as sugar-free chewing gum. Other products that may contain xylitol include:

breath mints
baked goods
cough syrup
children’s and adult chewable vitamins
mouthwash
toothpaste
some peanut and nut butters
over-the-counter medicines
dietary supplements
sugar-free desserts, including “skinny” ice cream

Xylitol can be used in baked goods, too, such as cakes, muffins, and pies — often because the baker is substituting another sweetener for sugar, as in products for people with diabetes. People can buy xylitol in bulk to bake sweet treats at home. In-store bakeries also are selling baked goods containing the sweetener. Some pediatric dentists also recommend xylitol-containing chewing gum for children, and these products could end up in a dog’s mouth by accident. It’s a good idea to keep all such products well out of your dog’s reach.

Why is Xylitol Dangerous to Dogs, but Not People?

In both people and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. In people, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. However, it’s different in canines: When dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and may result in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas.

This rapid release of insulin may result in a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can quickly be life-threatening, Hartogensis says.

A note to cat and ferret owners: Xylitol does not seem to be as dangerous for cats and other pets. Cats appear to be spared, at least in part, by their disdain for sweets. Ferret owners, however, should be careful, as ferrets have been known to develop low blood sugar and seizures, like dogs, after eating products containing xylitol.

Symptoms to Look For in Your Dog

Help protect dogs by displaying this flyer (PDF 1.3 MB) in animal shelters, pet stores and veterinary clinics in your neighborhood.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of your dog’s blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures.

If you think your dog has eaten xylitol, take him to your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately, Hartogensis advises. Because hypoglycemia and other serious adverse effects may not occur in some cases for up to 12 to 24 hours, your dog may need to be hospitalized for medical monitoring.

What Can You Do to Avoid Xylitol Poisoning in Your Dog?

Dr. Hartogensis says, “Check the label for xylitol in the ingredients of products, especially ones that advertise as sugar-free or low sugar. If a product does contain xylitol, make sure your pet can’t get to it.” In addition:

Keep products that contain xylitol (including those you don’t think of as food, such as toothpaste) well out of your dog’s reach. Remember that some dogs are adept at counter surfing.
Only use pet toothpaste for pets, never human toothpaste.
If you give your dog nut butter as a treat or as a vehicle for pills, check the label first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol.

You Can Help the FDA by Reporting Safety Issues

The FDA wants to know if your pet encounters safety issues with a product, and/or unanticipated harmful effects that you believe are related to a product.

“Timely reporting of problems enables FDA to take prompt action,” Hartogensis says. Each report is evaluated to determine how serious the problem is and, if necessary, additional information may be requested from the person who filed the report.

You can report problems related to both human and pet foods and treats at the Safety Reporting Portal.

Want to spread the word about xylitol? Here’s a poster you can print out to give to your veterinarian or pet shop owner, or perhaps your child’s school.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. It has a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar substitute.

Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections. It’s widely used in “sugar-free” chewing gums, mints, and other candies.

In the US, products that contain xylitol are allowed to state that they reduce the risk for cavities. People also use xylitol to prevent tooth plaque, ear infection, dry mouth, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Xylitol can be toxic to dogs. If your dog eats a product that contains xylitol, take them to a veterinarian immediately.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

Cavities. Using xylitol-containing products in the mouth, such as chewing gum, candies, and toothpaste, reduces the risk for cavities in adults and children 5 years and older. It’s unclear if it helps prevent cavities in children younger than 5 years old.

Possibly Effective for

Ear infection (otitis media). Giving xylitol-containing products such as a chewing gum, lozenges, or syrups daily after meals to preschool children seems to reduce the risk for ear infections. But giving xylitol right after a respiratory infection has started doesn’t seem to prevent ear infections.

There is interest in using xylitol for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Xylitol is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in chewing gums, candies, lozenges, toothpastes, and mouth rinses in amounts up to about 50 grams daily. It might cause diarrhea and gas in some people.

Taking high doses of xylitol is possibly unsafe. Using very high doses long-term might cause tumors.

When used as a rinse in the nose: Xylitol is possibly safe when mixed in water to clear the sinuses.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Taking high doses of xylitol is possibly unsafe. Using very high doses long-term might cause tumors.

When used as a rinse in the nose: Xylitol is possibly safe when mixed in water to clear the sinuses.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Xylitol is commonly consumed in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if xylitol is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Children: Xylitol is possibly safe when taken by mouth in amounts up to 20 grams daily for up to three years.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for XYLITOL overview.

Dosing

Xylitol is available in many different types of products, including chewing gum, lozenges, mouth rinses, dental wipes, toothpastes, and nasal irrigation solutions. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Xylitol: benefits, harms, efficacy, instructions, uses

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener used in diabetic and dental products. Xylitol is found in berries and fruits, hardwoods and corn cobs. This substance is produced by the human body in the process of metabolism in the amount of 5-15 g per day. Xylitol has been used as a sweetener for over 50 years, during which its healing properties have been discovered and side effects have been carefully studied. Xylitol is registered in Europe as a dietary supplement E967.

Xylitol is a popular sweetener because it contains 40% fewer calories than sugar and has a low glycemic index (GI). This allows the use of the substance in diets for diabetes and obesity.

Like all polyhydric alcohols, xylitol has a sweet taste and is highly soluble in water and other liquids. Colorless xylitol crystals look like sugar, but are smaller. Xylitol is as sweet as sugar, with a similar flavor without impurities or aftertaste. The substance has a cooling effect, a feeling of light freshness in the mouth. On the market, this sugar substitute is found in the form of powder, dragees, cubes, and is also included in mixtures.

This sweetener is marketed under the names: Xylitol, Food Xylitol, Xylitol, XyloSweet, Polysweet, Xyla.

The use of xylitol

Xylitol is actively used in the food and pharmaceutical industry in the field of products for diabetics and means for the prevention and treatment of various diseases:

the substance is used in the manufacture of dietary products for people with diabetes and overweight;
In the food industry, xylitol is used as a sweetener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and moisture-retaining agent. The substance is used in the manufacture of soft drinks and sweets. In addition, xylitol increases the shelf life of dairy products, improves the color of food, enhances the taste;
Xylitol is included in oral hygiene products: toothpastes, dental wipes, rinses, dental floss, chewing gums and lozenges;
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in the manufacture of medicines, such as cough syrups, vitamin complexes for children, etc.;
Xylitol chewing gums and lozenges are used to treat otitis media because chewing and sucking help the middle ear naturally clear and the substance itself inhibits the growth of pathogens;
Xylitol is used as a laxative (when consumed in 50 grams per day) and a choleretic agent. Tubage with xylitol is considered an effective procedure for cleansing the liver and gallbladder, which can be performed at home.

Xylitol in products

Xylitol is widely used in the food industry, using it in the production of:

ice cream
preserves, jams, desserts
chocolate and sweets
cakes and pastries
chewing gum, le dentsov, lozenges
dairy products
meat products industry
carbonated soft drinks

Xylitol contains fewer calories than sugar and has a low GI, so xylitol confectionery products are primarily intended for diabetics and obese people. In terms of sweetness, products with xylitol are similar to those with sugar, but are considered healthier. In addition, xylitol improves the look and taste of the finished dish.

Xylitol does not degrade when heated, so it can be added to hot drinks and baked goods. The exception is yeast bread, as xylitol prevents fungi from multiplying. It is also worth considering that this sweetener does not caramelize even at very high temperatures.

Benefits of xylitol

Due to its properties, xylitol is suitable for inclusion in the diet of people with endocrine diseases, metabolic disorders. In addition, the sweetener has a beneficial effect on tooth enamel. This is due to the fact that xylitol is not absorbed by bacteria that cause caries, reduces their number, restores the acid-base balance and normal microflora in the oral cavity.

Xylitol helps the absorption of minerals: calcium and fluorine. Because of these benefits, xylitol is often added to chewing gums and dental products. The English-language resource https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov contains information that xylitol is safe even for use in products and products intended for children.

Xylitol benefits:

oral health benefits – this sweetener stops tooth decay and remineralizes (weakens) tooth enamel, improving overall oral health by more than 50%
Xylitol has a GI of 7 (refined sugar has a 100), which means that the sweetener, although it slightly increases blood sugar, can be used in a diabetic diet
has no effect on metabolism, is slowly absorbed by the body, almost no effect on blood glucose, therefore effective in metabolic syndrome, as well as for the prevention of type 2 diabetes
lower calorie content compared to sugar (62% with the same sweetness)
positive effect in the fight against acute infections of the nasopharynx and middle ear
choleretic and laxative effect, used to cleanse the liver and intestines
relieve symptoms of asthma
best option for people following a diet low in carbohydrates
increases bone density tissues, which makes it effective for the treatment of osteoporosis
with regular use prevents the development of fungal infection in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, is used as an adjuvant in the complex treatment of candidiasis
improves digestion by increasing the secretion of gastric juice
is gentle on the intestines
improves the absorption of B vitamins, which are extremely important for the normal functioning of the body

Instructions for using xylitol

At home, xylitol is used as a sweetener in cooking various dishes , food preservation. The use of this substance is effective for blind probing and liver cleansing. Although both procedures can be performed independently, consultation with a gastroenterologist is recommended, as there are contraindications.

Blind probing with xylitol

The procedure is indicated for congestion in the gallbladder, digestive problems, skin diseases. Blind probing (tubage) helps to expand the biliary tract and at the same time contract the gallbladder, which contributes to the outflow of stagnant bile. In addition, there is a mild laxative effect.

Blind probing is performed no more than once every 20-30 days, on an empty stomach. It is advisable to do this in the morning upon waking up. In 250 ml of mineral water it is necessary to dissolve 5 g of xylitol. After that, you need to prepare and ingest one of the following mixtures: 9through twenty minutes after drinking the xylitol mixture again dissolved in water in the same proportions (5 g per 250 ml), taken and lying in bed on the right side for 2 hours with a warm heating pad applied to the liver area.

Xylitol Liver Cleanse

In addition to blind probing, xylitol is used to cleanse the liver. The procedure increases the production of bile, which naturally unclogs the bile ducts. As a result, the state of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract, kidneys is normalized.

If the liver cleanse is being performed for the first time or a long time has passed since the previous one, it is recommended to repeat the procedure at least six times every two to three days. In the future, liver cleansing is carried out once a week or as needed.

The liver is cleansed with rosehip infusion with the addition of xylitol. To prepare a drink you will need:

3 tbsp. l. rose hips
2 cups boiling water
3 tbsp. l. xylitol

Pre-washed and crushed berries should be placed in a thermos, pour boiling water over and left to infuse overnight. In the morning, xylitol is dissolved in half of the infusion and the mixture is drunk on an empty stomach.

After twenty minutes, you need to take the remaining infusion from the thermos without adding xylitol to it and wait another forty minutes. After this time, you can have breakfast. It is important that the food on this day is dietary, light, and the fluid intake is high. A good option would be to drink rosehip infusion, herbal tea, for example, you can brew currant and raspberry leaves.

Moderate exercise is also appropriate. Since the procedure has a pronounced laxative effect, it is worth spending this day at home.

Preservation of products with xylitol

The process of preparing jam and other preparations is similar to the usual one. Xylitol is added to canned food in the following proportions (per 1 kg of berries or fruits):

berry jam – 0.9-1.2 kg
fruit jam – 700 g0020
marmalade – 100 g
compote – 350 g of xylitol per 1 liter of water

The amount of xylitol required is calculated approximately and depends on the degree of acidity of the berries or fruits. The more acidic the raw material for canning, the more sweetener will be required. Store preparations with xylitol in a cool place for no more than a year.

Xylitol Gum

Xylitol Gum is a great alternative if you can’t brush your teeth after meals. Thanks to chewing, the production of saliva increases, which already has a positive effect on the acid-base balance in the oral cavity. And the presence of xylitol gums doubles the beneficial effect.

To benefit from chewing gum with xylitol, you need to follow the recommendations of dentists:

use gum only after eating, as chewing stimulates increased secretion of gastric juice
chew no more than 10 minutes, while the pleasant taste of the gum remains
do not use more than one plate or two pads after each meal

Side effects and contraindications

Xylitol is considered safe if the daily requirement is not to exceed 50 g. Excessive consumption leads to digestive problems. Also, do not introduce xylitol into the diet immediately in high doses – it is better to do it gradually, giving the body time to get used to it.

Uncontrolled use of xylitol may cause the following side effects:

allergic reactions, in particular skin rashes
a slight increase in blood glucose and insulin, which is undesirable in certain types of diabetes mellitus
ineffective diet for people lose weight, since the calorie content in xylitol, although less than in sugar, remains quite high. This means that at high doses, this sugar substitute, on the contrary, will contribute to weight gain
increases appetite and cravings for sweets, which also negatively affects the process of losing weight
laxative effect
digestive problems (nausea, flatulence, diarrhea)
disturbance of the normal intestinal microflora
body
interfere with the absorption of nutrients from food
toxic effects on dogs up to death

Contraindications for the use of xylitol include:

individual intolerance to the substance
gastrointestinal diseases
epilepsy
pregnancy and breastfeeding

Consumption of xylitol, like any other sweetener, does not cause problems when used correctly. Dosage control is the basis of good health and the absence of undesirable consequences. If side effects appear, for them to disappear, it is enough to remove xylitol from the diet.

Xylitol or fructose

Xylitol is a polyol, fructose is a monosaccharide. Both sweeteners are of natural origin and are made from vegetable raw materials, but their characteristics are very different: 223

1.7 Calories per 100 g 243 400 Glycemic index 7 50 Cooking possible possible Negative effect on teeth no yes

diabetic diet, since stronger xylitol raises blood sugar levels. Also, it is not suitable in the fight against excess weight.

Features fructose:

higher sweetness ratio
contains more calories
higher GI
negative effect on the liver
causes a constant feeling of hunger, increases appetite

Features of xylitol:

less calories
lower GI
has a healing effect

Although both are used in the food industry and are often included in dietary products, it is better to choose products with xylitol. Of course, fructose is useful, but only if you do not exceed the daily allowance. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in real life, as many foods contain added sugar. And it consists of fructose by more than 50%.

Xylitol or sorbitol?

Xylitol and sorbitol are considered natural sugar substitutes and are similar in properties. This can be seen in more detail in the table:

902 28

Properties	Xylitol	Sorbitol
Sweetness coefficient	1	0.6 9 0223
Calories per 100 g	243	260
Glycemic index	7	4
Daily value, g	50	70
Heat treatment	possible	possible
Negative effect on teeth	no	no

These sweeteners, like all polyhydric alcohols do not harm the teeth and have a slight refreshing effect.

Sorbitol features:

low glycemic index
lower degree of sweetness with almost equal calories. This means that when adding sorbitol to the dish, more will be needed, and therefore the food will be more high-calorie
strong laxative effect
beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, its normalization during long-term consumption. Due to this, sorbitol is often found in medicines intended for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
sorbitol is less toxic to dogs and, if ingested by a pet, leads only to digestive disorders

Features of xylitol:

higher sweetness ratio
less pronounced laxative effect
not only preventive, but also curative effect on tooth enamel
better absorption by the body
more pleasant taste

Both substances are freely sold in pharmacies and shops, and their cost is relatively low. If we compare the benefits and harms of xylitol and sorbitol, the scales will be approximately equal. Both sweeteners are a good option for diabetics, although not the best.

benefits and harms of xylitol for children and adults

Another name for xylitol is birch sugar. It is obtained from corn cobs, fruits, vegetables and even hardwoods. It looks like a white powdery substance. It is noteworthy that with a normal metabolism, our liver produces from 5 to 15 grams of xylitol per day.

Where is xylitol used?

It tastes like regular sugar and does not have the unpleasant aftertaste that other artificial substitutes have. Xylitol, as a low-calorie substance with a low glycemic index (GI), was used in European countries as early as the 19th century as a treatment for diabetics.

In the modern world, manufacturers in many countries add xylitol to food and medicines. Sweets, chewing gum, candies, syrups, toothpastes, hard candies and chewable multivitamins are not complete without the addition of birch sugar.

Xylitol is a lifesaver for those dieters who find it hard to give up sugar completely. It is quite capable of replacing the usual sugar. Xylitol has a low calorie content and can be added to cold and hot drinks and snacks.

Xylitol and dental health

It is birch sugar that is able to protect our teeth from the harmful effects of acids that cause the process of demineralization. Chalk-like spots, especially noticeable on the incisors of milk teeth, are the initial stage of caries, which is still reversible. It is important to notice it in time and stop it until more serious treatment is required.

Saliva, whose pH is alkaline, helps in part in this process. Washing the teeth, it neutralizes the acid, saturates the enamel with useful fluorine and calcium. But the problem is that the sweet tooth is characterized by a carbohydrate diet, so saliva can lose its beneficial properties, acquiring the same acidic composition as food sugar. Thus, the bacteria receive an additional source of nutrition, starting the very process of demineralization.

The peculiarity of xylitol for teeth is that it does not support the normal life processes of dangerous bacteria and thereby provokes their death. As a result, there is a normalization of the acid-base balance and a decrease in the adverse effects of acids on tooth enamel.

Xylitol Benefits for Teeth and Oral Health:

reduction in the development of carious processes;
enamel strengthening;
increased production of saliva with an increase in its protective properties;
stabilization and neutralization of the initial stage of caries;
control of infection of the oral cavity with the fungus Candida albicans.

It is noteworthy that the beneficial effects of xylitol persist for a long time after treatment or preventive measures. And its indisputable advantage is in absolute harmlessness, subject to the permissible dosage. If the consumption rate is exceeded, a laxative effect may be noted, as is the case with any sugar alcohols. This is the only harm of xylitol.

Xylitol Benefits for the Body

Reduced mother-to-child transmission of Streptococcus mutans in the first 2 years of life.
Prevention of the spread of pathogenic microflora in the ear area if xylitol is present in chewing gums and lozenges.
Increased activity of leukocytes.
Help with allergies, inflammation in the sinuses, bronchial asthma.

What are the benefits of xylitol for children?

Xylitol is needed to prevent tooth decay in children even before they have permanent teeth. The health of the molars directly depends on the condition of the milk teeth, so birch sugar is designed to reduce the negative impact of bacteria on the teeth of babies. In products for children (toothpastes, rinses, lozenges), xylitol works as follows:

gives the products a familiar and pleasant sweet taste;
slows down the growth of microorganisms;
saturates the teeth with calcium.

As part of confectionery products, xylitol helps to significantly reduce the harmful effects of sweets on a child’s teeth.

How to buy or order xylitol?

Please note that xylitol in the composition of hygiene products and products may have a different name: food xylitol, xylitol (Xylitol), XyloSweet, Polysweet, Xyla. In the “pure” state, birch sugar can also be bought. It is sold in pharmacies and stores in powder, sometimes cubes or dragees, as part of various mixtures, and its price is relatively low.

At home, xylitol can be added to hot coffee and tea, put in the preparation of various dishes instead of sugar and used for preservation. However, it is worth remembering that the substance does not support fermentation, therefore, it is ineffective for yeast dough, moreover, it does not turn into caramel at any temperature.

Chewing gum with xylitol will come in handy if you can’t brush your teeth after eating.