There are many reasons why people choose products with artificial sweeteners. Some are diabetic and need to closely monitor their sugar intake to maintain stable blood sugar levels; others appreciate non-caloric options for weight management; and others just enjoy a sweeter taste experience that would be hard to achieve with regular table sugar.

As evidence of the potential adverse health effects of artificial and low-calorie sweeteners accumulates, researchers at Charit University Hospital in Berlin, Germany, took a closer look at the popular sweetener xylitol. Based on health data from over 17,000 people, they saw a link between high blood levels of the sweetener and increased risks of several major cardiovascular events, such as death, heart attack, and stroke.