HI SCR156

Requests the Director of Health to promote xylitol for its preventive and therapeutic health and oral health benefits for all populations in Hawaii.

Directs the Director of Health to incorporate xylitol into the Healthy Hawaii Initiative and the Start Living Healthy campaign.

Cites approximately 500 PubMed studies supporting xylitol as an effective preventative and therapeutic agent, with endorsements from multiple national dental associations including the Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association.

Highlights xylitol's benefits including reduced dental caries (cavities), prevention of upper respiratory and ear infections, low glycemic index of 7 compared to sugar's 100, and safety for persons with diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Notes that xylitol has been safely used in foods since the 1960s and is approved by the United States as a food additive in unlimited quantity for special dietary purposes.