Sugar Substitutes Linked to Faster Brain Aging

Study Links Sweeteners to Cognitive Decline

Several widely used sugar substitutes may be associated with faster declines in memory and thinking skills over time, according to research published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study, which followed 12,772 adults living across Brazil for approximately eight years, found that those who consumed the greatest amounts of sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in overall thinking and memory abilities compared to those who consumed the least. This difference was comparable to about 1.6 additional years of aging.

However, the results do not show that sweeteners directly cause cognitive decline. They reveal an association, meaning other factors could help explain the pattern. Researchers accounted for age, sex, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other relevant factors, but the link remained significant.

Which Sweeteners Were Studied?

Researchers studied seven specific sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. These ingredients are frequently added to ultra-processed products, including flavored water, soft drinks, energy drinks, yogurt, and desserts marketed as low in calories. Several are also sold separately for use in coffee, tea, cooking, or baking.

Among these, six were associated with faster declines in overall cognition, particularly memory: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Tagatose was the only sweetener in the study that was not linked to cognitive decline. The study did not include every artificial sweetener currently used in food and beverages, so the findings cannot be applied to all sugar substitutes.

Study Design and Participant Details

The research included 12,772 adults with an average age of 52. Participants were monitored for approximately eight years. At the beginning of the study, they completed detailed food questionnaires describing what they had eaten and drunk during the previous year. Researchers then placed them into three groups according to their total sweetener intake.

People in the lowest consumption group averaged 20 milligrams per day (mg/day), while those in the highest group averaged 191 mg/day. In the case of aspartame, the amount consumed by the highest group was roughly equal to the aspartame in one can of diet soda. Sorbitol was consumed in the largest quantity of any individual sweetener, with an average daily intake of 64 mg/day.

Cognitive Assessments and Key Findings

Participants completed cognitive assessments at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the study. The tests measured several aspects of brain function, including verbal fluency, working memory, word recall, and processing speed. After accounting for age, sex, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other relevant factors, the researchers found a clear difference between the intake groups.

People who consumed the greatest amounts of sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in overall thinking and memory abilities than those who consumed the least. Researchers estimated that this difference was comparable to about 1.6 additional years of aging. Participants in the middle consumption group experienced a decline that was 35% faster than the decline observed in the lowest group. That difference was comparable to approximately 1.3 years of aging.

Age and Diabetes as Modifying Factors

Among participants younger than 60, those who consumed the most sweeteners experienced faster declines in verbal fluency and overall cognitive performance than those who consumed the least. Researchers did not find the same association among participants older than 60. The connection between sweetener intake and faster cognitive decline was also stronger among people with diabetes than among those without the condition.

These findings suggest that age and metabolic health may influence how sweeteners affect the brain. However, the study does not prove causation, and more research is needed to understand the mechanisms. Individuals concerned about cognitive health should consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.

Practical Implications and Next Steps

Given the widespread use of sugar substitutes in low-calorie and sugar-free products, these findings raise important questions about long-term brain health. While the study does not recommend eliminating all sweeteners, it highlights the need for caution, especially among younger adults and those with diabetes. Consumers may consider reducing their intake of ultra-processed foods containing these sweeteners and opting for whole foods instead.

As always, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking artificial sweeteners to various health concerns, but it remains an observational study. Future research should explore whether the observed associations are causal and whether certain sweeteners are safer than others.

Source

• www.sciencedaily.com
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