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Xylitol gummy bear snacks: a school-based randomized clinical trial
Kiet A Ly1, Christine A Riedy, Peter Milgrom
1Northwest/Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, Box 357475, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7475, USA. kietaly@u.washington.edu
BMC Oral Health
|July 29, 2008
Summary
Xylitol gummy bears significantly reduced mutans streptococci (MS) levels in children after six weeks. While Lactobacillus spp. remained unchanged, this study suggests xylitol gummy bears are a viable option for caries prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology and dentistry
- Pediatric health and nutrition
- Preventive dental medicine
Background:
- Habitual xylitol consumption lowers mutans streptococci (MS) but its effect on Lactobacillus spp. is unclear.
- Effective xylitol delivery methods are crucial for caries prevention programs.
- This study investigated MS and Lactobacillus spp. response to xylitol delivered via gummy bears.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of xylitol gummy bears in reducing oral bacteria.
- To compare the effects of different xylitol doses and maltitol on S. mutans/sobrinus and Lactobacillus spp.
- To assess the feasibility of implementing a xylitol gummy bear snack program in schools.
Main Methods:
- 154 children (grades 1-5) were randomized to xylitol (15.6g/day or 11.7g/day) or maltitol (44.7g/day) gummy bears.
- Gummy bears were distributed in unit doses three times daily during school hours for six weeks.
- Plaque samples were collected at baseline and six weeks for bacterial enumeration of S. mutans/sobrinus and Lactobacillus spp.
Main Results:
- All groups showed significant reductions in S. mutans/sobrinus levels (p=0.0001) after six weeks, with no statistical difference between xylitol and maltitol groups.
- Lactobacillus spp. levels showed mixed and non-significant changes across all groups.
- School staff confirmed the feasibility of the in-classroom gummy bear program, with positive acceptance from parents and children.
Conclusions:
- Xylitol gummy bears at 11.7g/day or 15.6g/day, and maltitol at 44.7g/day, reduced S. mutans/sobrinus levels after six weeks.
- Lactobacillus spp. levels were largely unaffected by the interventions.
- Xylitol gummy bears show potential as an alternative to chewing gum for caries prevention, though further trials are needed due to confounding maltitol results.
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