A recently published study in the Korean Journal of Microbiology titled ‘Evaluation of xylitol as an agent that controls the growth of skin microbes: Staphylococcus aureusStaphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes’ has shown that XIVIA® Xylitol has a positive effect on skin microbial growth.

The researchers’ aim was to investigate whether XIVIA® Xylitol, a naturally occurring, sustainable wood-based sweetener—widely approved for use in food and oral hygiene products—could have a potential role in skin microbial growth. The growth of certain skin bacteria, as pure cultures, was measured in the presence of xylitol. The findings showed that while the growth of pure cultures of pathogenic S. aureus and C. acnes strains linked to skin conditions were inhibited by xylitol, the growth of skin commensal S. epidermidis strain was not affected.  

“In Finland we have a long history in the sustainable production of xylitol as well as research into the health benefits of xylitol, and in particular, its caries-preventing activities.  We have developed for instance, the       Enteromix® colon and oral simulators in our facilities to investigate these phenomena,” said Dr. Kirsti Tiihonen, Ph. D, Senior Research & Development Manager, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.  “DuPont’s xylitol manufacturing technology allows the use of a minimum amount of chemicals, water and energy and thus shows a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional processes.”

“Xylitol is utilized due to its hydrating properties within skin care products, and the research is showing interesting abilities for xylitol to protect the skin barrier. The study results demonstrated that xylitol also has benefits not only to control oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans, but also to controlling skin microbes,”       said Dr. Heli Anglenius. “The results are interesting, as xylitol could benefit in situations where there is a dysbiosis in the skin microbiota and how to balance it.”

The study is a preliminary in-vitro study providing important indications for efficacy and additional research is needed to study the effects in a whole microbial community,” Anglenius said. 

“This new data is certainly exciting to help promote the use of our XIVIA® Xylitol outside of the traditional space of chewing gum and oral care applications,” says Christopher Spontelli, Global Product Line Manager, Sweeteners, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.      

    You can read more about this research study at http://www.kjom.org/journal/view.html?uid=185&pn=lastest&vmd=Full#body01


About DuPont™ Danisco® 
DuPont™ Danisco® is the brand for a range of ingredients that help provide enhanced bioprotection, an improved nutritional profile, and better taste and texture with greater cost efficiency and lower environmental impact, meeting the needs of manufacturers of food and beverages, dietary supplements and pet food. Through the work of the global network of food scientists and technologists in DuPont, the Danisco® range is supported by a uniquely broad spectrum of know-how across applications and processing. www.danisco.com.

About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences 
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. For more information: www.dupontnutritionandbiosciences.com or www.biosciences.dupont.com

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food, and worker safety. More information can be found at www.dupont.com/.

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