Common sugar substitutes like aspartame, saccharin, and erythritol may be tied to faster cognitive decline, according to research published in Neurology. The study of nearly 13,000 adults found that those who consumed the most artificial sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in overall thinking and memory abilities compared to those who consumed the least—equivalent to about 1.6 years of brain aging.
The Research
Led by Claudia Kimie Suemoto, MD, PhD, of the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the study followed 12,772 adults over eight years. Participants, average age 52, completed food questionnaires and cognitive tests measuring verbal fluency, working memory, and processing speed. Researchers divided them into three groups based on total sweetener intake: lowest (average 20 mg/day), middle, and highest (average 191 mg/day). The highest consumers showed a 62% faster cognitive decline than the lowest, while the middle group had a 35% faster decline (equivalent to 1.3 years of aging). The association was particularly strong in people under 60 and those with diabetes. The seven sweeteners examined were aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose.
Why It Matters
Many people turn to low- or no-calorie sweeteners as a healthier alternative to sugar, especially for weight management or diabetes. This study suggests that some sweeteners may have unintended long-term effects on brain health. While the findings are correlational and not causal, they raise important questions about the trade-offs of replacing sugar with artificial substitutes. For younger adults and those with diabetes, the potential cognitive impact may be especially relevant.
What You Can Do
- Be mindful of total sweetener intake from diet sodas, flavored waters, yogurts, and packaged desserts.
- Consider gradually reducing reliance on both sugar and artificial sweeteners by opting for unsweetened beverages or whole fruits.
- Discuss dietary choices with a healthcare provider, especially if you have diabetes or are under 60.
Source: ScienceDaily Mind & Brain
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