Issue 3 2016
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ingredients 21<br />
DuPont study confirms anti-caries effect of xylitol<br />
Scientific research at DuPont Nutrition & Health has found that the oral bacteria behind dental cavities are<br />
significantly reduced in the presence of xylitol. Conducted using the DuPont dental caries simulator, the study<br />
gives an improved understanding of results from previous clinical studies.<br />
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener with the taste and sweetness of sugar but just half the calories. The<br />
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recognised the claim that xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of<br />
caries in children.<br />
Positive effect also in the presence of sucrose<br />
Recently published in Archives of Oral Biology journal, the DuPont study evaluated the effect of sucrose and<br />
xylitol on Streptococcus mutans – one of the main species of bacteria responsible for dental caries.<br />
Xylitol was shown to have a significant impact on the bacteria, also when tested in combination with sucrose.<br />
The xylitol used for the study was XIVIA ® Xylitol from the DuPont Danisco ® range.<br />
Realistic results from dental simulator<br />
“This in vitro study was the first to test the effect of xylitol on S. mutans using our in-house dental simulator,”<br />
says Krista Salli, M.Sc. scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Health in Kantvik, Finland.<br />
“It is encouraging to see that the results closely reflect clinical findings. This is evidence that the oral<br />
environment created by our simulator is realistic and suitable for estimating the cariogenicity of food ingredients.<br />
This will help us understand the mechanism by which xylitol exerts in benefits.”<br />
Presentation at <strong>2016</strong> FDI World Dental Congress<br />
Previous studies have shown that xylitol reduces acidity in the mouth by raising the pH level; slows the ability of<br />
cariogenic bacteria to stick to teeth; and inhibits bacterial growth. EFSA has approved the following claim<br />
related to xylitol use: ‘100% xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of plaque in children and plaque is a biomarker<br />
for dental caries’.<br />
DuPont have presented additional new findings from a second study using the dental simulator at the <strong>2016</strong> FDI<br />
World Dental Congress.<br />
The published study entitled ‘Influence of sucrose and xylitol on an early Streptococcus mutans biofilm in a<br />
dental simulator’ is available online at http://www.aobjournal.com/article/S0003-9969(16)30139-X/fulltext.<br />
www.foodmagazine.eu.com issue three | <strong>2016</strong>