Xylitol reduces tooth decay
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
The European Food Safety Authority Oct. 30 adopts the opinion of its Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies to approve the claim that chewing gum with 100 percent xylitol reduces the risk of tooth decay. The panel rendered the opinion after two firms - Leaf Holland of the Netherlands and Leaf Suomi of Finland - submitted a health claim application to Finland's health regulator for scientific substantiation in relation to xylitol chewing gum/pastilles and tooth decay reduction. The panel noted the claim that "xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children" reflects the scientific evidence provided. Scientific justification for the claim relates to consumption of 2 to 3 grams of the gum at least three times per day. The panel said materials provided did not show pastilles containing 56 percent xylitol reduce tooth decay