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A recent study found that certain sugar substitutes may have unforeseen negative effects on long-term cognitive health. It revealed that heavy consumption of specific artificial sweeteners is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in adults.
The research examined seven artificial sweeteners, finding that those individuals that used them the most experienced faster declines in memory and cognitive functions compared to those with the lowest consumption.
The study involved over 12,000 adults from Brazil, with an average age of 52, tracked over an eight-year period. At the study's outset, participants filled out self-reported questionnaires about their diet, providing details on their food and drink consumption over the previous year.
The artificial sweeteners used in the study were aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol, and tagatose. They are commonly found in ultra-processed foods such as soda, flavored water, energy drinks, low-calorie desserts and yogurt. Some of them are also used as standalone sweeteners.
Participants underwent cognitive assessments at the start, midpoint, and end of the study to track changes in memory, language, and thinking abilities over time. These evaluations measured capabilities such as verbal ability, short-term memory, word retrieval, and cognitive processing speed.
The findings revealed that individuals consuming the highest amounts of sweeteners experienced faster declines in cognitive and memory skills compared to those with the lowest intake. This decline was 62% faster, corresponding to roughly 1.6 years of cognitive aging.
A notable finding was that individuals under 60 with the highest sweetener consumption exhibited more rapid declines in overall cognitive function. The study also revealed that faster cognitive decline was more pronounced in participants with diabetes compared to those without the condition.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Association Between Consumption of Low- and No-Calorie Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline
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