History of Xylitol in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 7, 2024

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with the chemical formula C5H12O5. It is a white crystalline solid that dissolves easily in water. Derived from the Greek words for 'wood' and 'sugar alcohol,' xylitol is classified as both a polyalcohol and an alditol.

1985: EU Report on Xylitol and Laxative Effects

In 1985, the E.U. Scientific Committee on Food published a report stating that consuming 50 grams of xylitol daily can cause diarrhea. This report led to regulations requiring tabletop sweeteners and other xylitol-containing products to display warnings about potential laxative effects.

2011: EFSA Approves Marketing Claim for Xylitol's Low Glycemic Response

In 2011, EFSA approved a marketing claim stating that foods and beverages containing xylitol or other similar sugar substitutes result in a lower blood glucose and insulin response compared to sugar-containing foods and drinks.

2011: EFSA Finds Insufficient Evidence for Xylitol's Effect on Ear Infections

In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that there was not enough scientific evidence to support the claim that xylitol-sweetened gum could prevent middle-ear infections (acute otitis media).

2015: Cochrane Review on Xylitol's Effect on Tooth Decay

A Cochrane review published in 2015 examined ten studies conducted between 1991 and 2014. The review indicated a positive correlation between xylitol-containing fluoride toothpaste and a reduction in tooth decay compared to fluoride-only toothpaste.

2016: Review Indicates Moderate Effect of Xylitol on Ear Infections

A 2016 review suggested that xylitol in chewing gum or syrup form might have a moderate effect on preventing acute otitis media (AOM) in children who are generally healthy.

2018: Study Suggests Xylitol Safe for Cats in Certain Doses

A study conducted in 2018 suggested that xylitol is safe for cats in doses up to 1000 mg/kg. However, it is important to note that this study had a small sample size, involving only six cats, and further research is needed to confirm these findings.

2022: Review Suggests Xylitol Chewing Gum Reduces Plaque

A 2022 review suggested that chewing gum containing xylitol can reduce plaque buildup, but this effect was not observed with xylitol-containing candies.

2025: Xylitol Fermentation Projected to be Billion Dollar Industry

By 2025, xylitol production from discarded biomass via fermentation is projected to reach US $1.4 billion in market value, as per the US Department of Energy.