Executive summary: A new study links high intake of low- and no-calorie sweeteners to a cognitive decline equivalent to 1.6 years of aging, raising concerns about their long-term brain health effects.
The research, published in the journal Neurology, involved a longitudinal study of 12,772 Brazilian civil servants with an average age of 52, who were followed for approximately eight years. Participants provided dietary information through questionnaires and underwent cognitive tests assessing memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed at multiple points.
Findings revealed that individuals consuming the highest amounts of artificial sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in global cognition compared to those with the lowest intake. This effect was most notable in working memory and verbal fluency tasks, with the decline equating to about 1.6 years of additional brain aging.
The study examined several sweeteners, including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Notably, tagatose was not associated with cognitive decline, suggesting that not all sweeteners have the same impact.
The association was stronger in participants under 60 years old and those with diabetes, indicating that midlife exposure to these sweeteners may have significant implications for later cognitive health. Diabetes itself is a risk factor for cognitive decline, potentially exacerbating the effects.
Industry representatives, such as the International Sweeteners Association, pointed out the observational nature of the study and emphasized that sweeteners are deemed safe by global health authorities. They argue that sweeteners help reduce sugar intake and manage conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Experts recommend caution and suggest considering natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup. Further research is needed to establish causality and understand the biological mechanisms behind these associations.
This study contributes to the ongoing debate about the safety of artificial sweeteners and may influence future dietary recommendations and public health policies.