Researchers of the University of Turku Proved the Health Benefits of Xylitol 40 Years Ago
Xylitol is by far the most famous product created at the University of Turku. The xylitol research, which started in 1969, culminated in an observation that surprised everyone. – We started to research whether xylitol is harmful to teeth, but we discovered that it can even ameliorate caries, says Professor Emeritus Kauko K. Mäkinen.
Kauko K. Mäkinen presents the structure of xylitol. The light hydrogen atom and the red oxygen atom surround the zigzag carbon structure.
Turku Sugar Studies, published 40 ago, is still one of the most cited publications on xylitol. New studies have confirmed the beneficial effect of xylitol. For example, in April 2015, Doctoral Candidate Mohamed ElSalhy proved in his doctoral dissertation that using xylitol reduces the amount of harmful oral bacteria significantly, but does not harm the healthy microbes in the mouth.
Mäkinen has compiled the successful xylitol research into a Finnish book, titled It Had to Happen – What Every Finn Should Know about Xylitol. Suomen Sokeri Ltd, a Finnish sugar company, wanted an alternative sugar and asked help from the researchers of the University of Turku.
– Suomen Sokeri Ltd has developed an industrial process to produce xylitol and they had a need for further research. We promised to carry out short term tests on oral biology and did so in 1970 and 1971. Both yielded promising results, so we decided to start a longitudinal dietary study.
For two years, the subjects of the dietary studies were offered food containing a great deal of xylitol produced by Finnish food companies. Cariologist Scheinin followed the condition of both the xylitol and control group's teeth, and Biochemist Mäkinen worked on the research data.
– One day Scheinin stopped at my office and was astounded that in some patients the caries was improving. When he told me the patients' numbers, I checked their information and realised that all of them were part of the xylitol group, says Mäkinen.
In the end, the finding led to the Turku Sugar Studies publication in 1975.
– Before we initiated the study, we couldn't even imagine that xylitol would heal cavities, says Mäkinen.
Text: Erja Hyytiäinen
Translation: Mari Ratia