Xylitol-induced increase of lactoperoxidase activity.

Whole saliva samples of volunteers who ate a strict diet for two years with regard to the type of sweeteners used (sucrose, fructose, and xylitol) showed considerable differences in the lactoperoxidase activity. The consumption of a xylitol diet increased the activity of this enzyme fourfold to tenfold when compared to the other two test groups. Lactoperoxidase belongs to the natural defense mechanisms of the oral cavity. However, the consumption of a xylitol diet also leads to a strong reduction in the incidence of dental caries. It is suggested that the xylitol-induced elevation of the salivary lactoperoxidase activity and the cariostatic properties of xylitol are partly interrelated phenomena.