The 5-carbon sugar alcohol xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products including
gums, candies, and baked goods. In recent years the use of xylitol has increased due
to the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets and low–glycemic index foods.
1
Xylitol also prevents oral bacteria from producing acids that damage the surfaces
of teeth, leading to its inclusion in toothpaste and other oral care products.
1
,
2
While xylitol is considered safe in humans, canine ingestions have resulted in severe
and life-threatening signs associated with increased insulin secretion leading to
hypoglycemia. Acute death due to severe hypoglycemia if untreated is possible, and
liver failure may develop 1 to 3 days after xylitol ingestion.Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 09, 2012
Footnotes
The authors have nothing to disclose.
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Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
