Cavity prevention: What xylitol regimens are appropriate for children?

An overview xylitol studies involving children.

Whereas a dosing range of six to ten grams of xylitol per day for adults can generally be considered to be an effective amount, a question of an appropriate dosing for children needs to be addressed. The table below details some of the doses that have been utilized in various xylitol studies over the years.

Reference	Age Group	Xylitol Dosing (grams per day)	Duration (months)
Roberts (2002)	preschool through third grade	5	1
Makinen (2005)	5 year-old	5	6
Makinen (2008)	8 ad 9 year-olds	6.6	24
Makinen (1998)	10 year-olds	14	40
Isotupa (1995)	11 to 15 years	up to 10.5	1

Suggested xylitol anti-cavity regimens for children.

For small children, it seems that the consumption of xylitol in the neighborhood of 5 grams per day (divided up into three to five doses spread throughout the day) would be appropriate. As children approach their teens, it seems a regimen more along the lines as that suggested for adults would be appropriate. These regimens need to be continued for six months to a year before it can be assumed that an optimal level of cavity protection has been created.

Safety evaluations of this level of consumption.

At these levels, any health concerns associated with xylitol consumption should be moot (with the exception of the development of minor gastrointestinal side effects which will vary on a per child basis). As evidence of this Vernacchio (2007) evaluated (with emphasis on the development of gastrointestinal side effects) the consumption of up to fifteen grams of xylitol per day by children ages 6 through 36 months (as a preventive measure for the medical condition otitis media). This study concluded that xylitol use at this level over a 90 day time period was well tolerated by young children.

Some types of xylitol products may not be appropriate for small children.

When choosing a xylitol product for your child please keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that hard, gooey, or sticky candies and chewing gum should be kept away from children younger than age four because they pose a risk for choking.

Related pages:
Factors associated with creating an appropriate xylitol regimen.
Appropriate xylitol dosing for adults.

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