Xylitol
Dual-function ingredient: a non-fermentable sugar alcohol that starves Streptococcus mutans (the primary caries-causing bacterium) of fermentable substrate; and a mild sweetening agent that improves palatability without affecting blood glucose. Birch-derived, non-GMO.
Mechanism
Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that Streptococcus mutans - the primary oral caries-causing bacterium - actively transports into its cytoplasm via the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system. Inside the cell, xylitol-5-phosphate cannot be metabolised further and accumulates, disrupting energy metabolism and inhibiting bacterial growth and acid production. Importantly, repeated exposure to xylitol selects for S. mutans strains with reduced virulence, providing long-term plaque-reducing benefit.
As a sweetener, xylitol has a glycaemic index of ~7 vs 65 for glucose, producing minimal insulin response. At 2g per serving, it improves the palatability of a 50-ingredient formula without contributing to blood glucose or dental acid production - the only sweetening ingredient that actively benefits the oral microbiome while performing its flavour function.
Key Benefits
- Oral bacteria cannot ferment xylitol, unlike sucrose
- Selects for less virulent oral bacteria with regular use
- GI ~7: minimal blood glucose and insulin impact
- Improves palatability of a 50-ingredient formula
- Birch-derived, non-GMO
The Research
Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.
Xylitol
750mgBirch-derived - pharmaceutical grade
Any time of day. Included at 2g - within the range studied for dental plaque reduction. Also serves as the mild sweetening agent, improving palatability of the 50-ingredient matrix.