Xylitol is a kind of sweetener, which is generally extracted from natural plants, and is widely used in clinical practice, such as as a hypoglycemic drug for diabetes patients, an auxiliary treatment drug for hepatitis patients, etc. In addition, xylitol can also be made into other sugars, such as soy sauce and soft drinks. Although xylitol is widely used, it is not recommended to consume in large quantities as excessive intake may have adverse effects on the digestive system, respiratory system, skin, and other aspects of the human body.

1. Digestive system

If xylitol is ingested, it can change the osmotic pressure in the small intestine, alter the pH value of the intestine, and break down substances in the intestine, thereby reducing the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract. However, xylitol is not broken down in the body and is excreted with metabolic products, which may cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, excessive bowel sounds, and abdominal pain.

2. Respiratory system

Xylitol is not broken down in the body and can circulate in the bloodstream to the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and respiratory irritation symptoms such as coughing and sputum production. It may even trigger bronchial asthma, so it is not recommended for patients with respiratory diseases to use xylitol.

3. Skin

Because xylitol cannot be absorbed by the skin, it is not broken down in the human body. However, it can irritate the skin and cause allergic symptoms such as itching and rash. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with skin diseases to use xylitol.

In addition, xylitol may cause an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. So, although xylitol is widely used, it is not recommended to consume it in large quantities.