Connection between xylitol and heart attack

ASK THE DOCTORS

Dear Doctors: The whitening toothpaste I’ve been using for several years has a pleasant flavor and keeps coffee from staining my teeth. But I just realized it contains xylitol, which I’m hearing can cause heart problems. Do you know if this is true? Do I need to switch?

Dear Reader: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that falls into a category known as sugar alcohols.

Also known as po…