Research published in the medical journal Neurology suggests a potential association between the consumption of specific low- and no-calorie sweeteners and a faster decline in cognitive function. Analyzing data from nearly 13,000 adults, the study found that higher intake of sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and erythritol was linked to accelerated memory and thinking decline, particularly in individuals under 60 and those with diabetes.
Cognitive Decline and Sweetener Consumption
A study conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo, published in the American Academy of Neurology’s journal Neurology, tracked 12,772 adults over eight years to evaluate the impact of low- and no-calorie sweeteners on brain health. Participants, with an average age of 52, provided detailed dietary information, which researchers categorized by total sweetener intake.
The findings indicate that individuals in the highest consumption group experienced a 62% faster decline in overall cognitive abilities compared to those in the lowest consumption group. The researchers estimated this decline was equivalent to approximately 1.6 years of additional brain aging. Participants in the middle consumption bracket experienced a 35% faster decline, comparable to 1.3 years of aging.
Impact of Age and Underlying Health
The association between sweetener intake and cognitive health appeared to vary based on age and metabolic health. Among participants younger than 60, high consumption was linked to faster declines in verbal fluency and overall cognitive performance. This correlation was not observed in participants older than 60.
Furthermore, the data revealed a stronger connection between sweetener use and cognitive decline in people living with diabetes. According to study author Claudia Kimie Suemoto, MD, PhD, individuals with diabetes are more likely to rely on sugar substitutes to manage blood glucose levels, potentially leading to higher daily intake.
Sweeteners Analyzed in the Study
The research examined seven common sweeteners frequently found in ultra-processed products, including soft drinks, flavored waters, energy drinks, and low-calorie desserts. The specific sweeteners studied included:
- Aspartame
- Saccharin
- Acesulfame K
- Erythritol
- Sorbitol
- Xylitol
- Tagatose
Of these seven, six—aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol—were individually associated with faster declines in overall cognition and memory. Tagatose was the only sweetener in the study that did not show a link to cognitive decline.
Understanding the Limitations of the Findings
While the study establishes a link between sweetener consumption and cognitive decline, it is observational and does not prove that sweeteners cause these brain health changes. The researchers noted that the findings could be influenced by other factors, including the consumption of ultra-processed foods containing these additives.
Additional limitations include the reliance on self-reported dietary data, which can be prone to inaccuracies or memory lapses. Because the study did not include every artificial sweetener currently on the market, the results cannot be generalized to all sugar substitutes. Dr. Suemoto emphasized that further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to explore whether other alternatives, such as honey, maple syrup, or applesauce, might serve as more effective or safer options for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
The research was supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.
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