‘Gummy Bear Study’ Highlights the Unique Dental Benefits of Xylitol
A recent study published by the University of Washington emphasises the unique dental benefits associated with regular xylitol consumption. The study was conducted at two elementary schools in Washington State, USA where children between first and fifth grades (average age ~8) consumed gummy bears supplemented with Xylitol. Children were given four gummy bears, three times per day at snack times on school days only. After six weeks, both groups that consumed Xylitol containing gummy bears (11.7g/day or 15.6g/day) had a highly significant reduction (p<0.0001) in the most harmful bacteria in plaque, Mutans Streptococci. A huge number of research studies have been published detailing the positive impact of Xylitol on dental health and this study reinforces the evidence for regular use of Xylitol. Gummy bears are believed to be a more acceptable Xylitol delivery format for young children, compared with chewing gum, as part of an oral health programme.
| "These results suggest that a xylitol gummy bear snack may be an alternative to xylitol chewing gum for dental caries prevention." Kiet A Ly, lead author |
The study can be viewed on the BMC Oral Health website: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6831/8/20/abstract
A number of national and international newspapers have picked up on this study and printed news items relating to Xylitol, some of these can be viewed by following the links below.
