Xylitol Hazards

Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute found in berries, fruits, vegetables and some mushrooms, although most commercial xylitol is manufactured from birch bark. An adult produces up to 15 grams of xylitol each day according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. According to WebMD, adults may safely consume up to 50 grams of xylitol and children may safely consume up to 20 grams per day.

Digestive Side Effects

• According to WebMD, xylitol can produce diarrhea and gas if consumed in large doses. Smaller doses, however, appear to be safe and effective in reducing cavities when used as a sweetener in gum. There is not enough xylitol in a single stick of gum to cause this reaction.

Renal Side Effects

• Use of xylitol in an IV administered drip may have caused renal oxalosis (crystal deposits), according to a 2001 report in the German medical journal, "Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift." Although doctors were not absolutely certain that xylitol caused renal failure, the decision was made to ban xylitol containing iintravenous fluids the U.S.

Animal Toxicity

• According to "Veterinary and Human Toxicology," xylitol can trigger a severe hypoglycemic reaction in some animals. The article reports that a 9-month old Labrador retriever that consumed large amounts of xylitol-sweetened gum collapsed and had seizures in response to severe hypoglycemia.

  Dogs quickly process the sugar alcohol, causing a quick pancreatic insulin dump without offsetting sugar consumption, according to the ASPCA. If treatment does not begin quickly, xylitol can cause liver failure and bleeding disorders. As few as two sticks of gun can poison a 20-pound dog.