Study Shows Sugar-Free Gum Can Help Reduce Rates of Preterm Birth
A study conducted in Africa found that pregnant women who chewed xylitol-sweetened gum experienced a 30 percent reduction in very-low-birth-weight babies.
Chewing xylitol gum could potentially help prevent preterm birth.
Research involving over 10,000 pregnant women in Malawi showed that those who chewed sugar-free, xylitol-sweetened gum had a 24 percent lower incidence of preterm birth compared to those who did not.
Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener derived from xylose, extracted from birch trees and corn cobs. Preterm birth occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Xylitol Linked to About 30 Percent Fewer Preterm Births
The findings, published in Med, a journal by Cell Press, suggest a simple solution for a significant health challenge in the region.
Low-birth-weight babies are born weighing under 5 pounds, 8 ounces, with very-low-birth-weight babies weighing under 3 pounds, 4 ounces.
Gum Disease Linked to Preterm Birth
Previous studies have shown that periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low-birth-weight deliveries by two to three times.
How Xylitol Works Beyond Cavity Prevention
Researchers noted that xylitol has probiotic properties and can reduce bacteria growth related to periodontal disease and gum tissue inflammation.
The participants chewed xylitol gum from early pregnancy until delivery, leading to improved oral health more effectively than traditional methods, especially in low-resource settings.
While the study’s findings are specific to Malawi and require validation in other regions, Dr. Valentine emphasized the importance of confirming results in the United States and globally.
Future Research Plans
A follow-up study in Malawi called the Prevention of Developmental Delay and Xylitol study will investigate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of 1,000 children born during the initial trial, with results expected in 2027.
The researchers also plan to test the xylitol-gum intervention in lower-resourced communities in the Seattle area to assess its effectiveness.
Dr. Valentine warns against high xylitol intake, as it can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and bloating.
