A large-scale study has raised new concerns about the long-term impact of artificial sweeteners on brain health, suggesting that some commonly used sugar substitutes may accelerate cognitive decline.
The Study
Researchers in Brazil followed nearly 13,000 adults with an average age of 52 over an eight-year period. They analyzed dietary habits, focusing on seven popular low- and no-calorie sweeteners found in diet sodas, flavored waters, yogurts, and other processed products. These included aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose.
Key Findings
- Except for tagatose, all sweeteners studied were linked to measurable declines in memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed.
- People who consumed the highest amounts of these sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in cognitive function, equivalent to about 1.6 years of extra brain aging over the study period.
- Even moderate consumers saw a 35% faster decline, similar to 1.3 years of additional aging.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The effects were strongest among adults under 60, particularly those with diabetes. Researchers believe this may be due to both higher intake and increased sensitivity to metabolic changes in this group.
Possible Explanations
While the study was observational and cannot prove direct cause and effect, experts suggest several possible mechanisms. Artificial sweeteners may disrupt the gut-brain axis, trigger low-grade inflammation in the nervous system, or alter brain blood flow and metabolism.
What It Means
The findings challenge the long-held belief that artificial sweeteners are a safe alternative to sugar. Instead, regular use may come with hidden risks to brain health. Health professionals recommend limiting consumption of processed foods with artificial sweeteners and choosing natural options such as honey or maple syrup in moderation, alongside a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
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