A recent study from Brazil has raised concerns about the effects of artificial sweeteners on cognitive health. Published in the journal *Neurology*, the research indicates that individuals consuming higher amounts of these sweeteners may experience a noticeable decline in their thinking and memory skills at a significantly faster rate.
In fact, the results suggest that the most affected group showed a reduction equivalent to about 1.6 years of brain aging, with a staggering 62% decrease in cognitive functions. Notably, this impact was most evident among younger adults under 60 and those with diabetes—while older adults, contrary to expectations, didn’t seem to be as affected.
The study involved 12,772 adults averaging 52 years of age over a span of eight years, who reported their dietary habits. The researchers looked at seven common artificial sweeteners found in various products, including sodas, energy drinks, flavored water, yogurt, and low-calorie desserts. These included aspartame, saccharin, and erythritol, among others. Participants in the high-consumption group averaged 191 milligrams of sweeteners per day, compared to just 20 milligrams in the low-consumption group.
Cognitive tests administered throughout the study revealed concerns, as all sweeteners—except for tagatose—were linked to sharper declines in cognitive abilities, particularly memory. Dr. Claudia Kimmy Sumoto, the study’s lead researcher from the University of Sao Paulo, mentioned that while there’s a common belief that artificial sweeteners are safer alternatives to sugar, their effects may not be as benign as once thought, especially if consumed frequently during midlife.
She emphasized the importance of reevaluating what we consume to replace sugar, advising people to limit both added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Choosing more natural options and maintaining a balanced diet could be more beneficial.
Interestingly, the researchers expected to see clearer associations in older age groups, considering their heightened risk for dementia. However, the study’s findings suggested that exposure to sweeteners during middle age might be particularly harmful, potentially setting the stage for long-term cognitive decline.
Given that cognitive decline often begins years before symptoms are noticed, this early exposure could accelerate these processes. As Dr. Sumoto noted, the safest approach would be to minimize artificial sweeteners altogether, advocating for alternatives like fruits, honey, or maple syrup for sweetness.
Dr. Brintosa Vasagal from Milwaukee, who wasn’t part of the study, expressed her thoughts on these findings, suggesting that natural sugar might be the safer path for many. She also mentioned that there’s still much to learn about artificial sugars and their effects on health.
Researchers acknowledged some limitations in their study, including the reliance on self-reported dietary data collected at the start. They pointed out that while they adjusted for various factors, there could still be residual confounding. More extensive research is needed to assess the relationship between artificial sweeteners and brain function, potentially utilizing neuroimaging techniques.
In light of these findings, experts generally recommend keeping consumption of diet sodas to a minimum and focusing on hydration through plain water or naturally flavored options. As for those with health conditions like diabetes, consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the best dietary choices.
