Six Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Brain Aging and Memory Loss

New Study Reveals Artificial Sweeteners May Accelerate Brain Aging

A recent study has uncovered a concerning link between the consumption of six common artificial sweeteners and accelerated brain aging, along with early signs of dementia. The research, conducted by scientists in Brazil, found that aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol were all associated with declines in memory, language, and cognitive abilities.

While the exact mechanisms behind this impact remain under investigation, previous studies have suggested that these sweeteners may contribute to inflammation and blood clotting in the brain, which could lead to long-term damage. These substances are widely used by millions globally to manage weight, control blood sugar levels, and prevent dental issues. They are commonly found in a variety of products, including sugar-free beverages, low-calorie desserts, yogurt, snacks, milk-based drinks, and candy.

Many of these sweeteners are also present in household items such as Equal, NutraSweet, Sweet’N Low, Sunett, Truvia, and Xylosweet. The study found that individuals who consumed the highest amounts of these sweeteners experienced brain aging approximately 1.6 years faster than those who consumed the least. Notably, even the group consuming the largest amount—around 190 to 200 mg per day—was within the range of one can of Diet Coke.

Although the study did not directly test the reasons for this impact, it referenced prior research indicating that some sweeteners, like aspartame, may break down into harmful compounds that damage brain cells. Erythritol, another common sweetener, has been linked to potential damage to blood vessels in the brain, which could reduce blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.

The findings were published in the journal Neurology and revealed that regular consumption of these six sweeteners appeared to speed up cognitive decline, especially among middle-aged individuals. The research followed over 12,000 adults for eight years to assess how these substances affected their thinking skills. The effect was more pronounced in people with diabetes, but it was also observed in those without the condition.

Interestingly, the study found that the impact of artificial sweeteners on brain function was only significant in individuals under the age of 60. Among older adults, the effects were less noticeable. This suggests that the long-term consequences of consuming these sweeteners may be more severe for younger populations.

Overall, the study highlighted that even small daily doses of these sweeteners were linked to faster cognitive decline compared to occasional or no use. In contrast, the natural sweetener tagatose, found in certain fruits and dairy products, did not show any negative association with brain health.

Dr. Thomas Monroe Holland, from Rush University in Chicago, emphasized the importance of midlife dietary choices in influencing long-term brain health. He noted that the findings underscore the need for greater awareness about the potential risks of artificial sweeteners.

The study involved 12,772 Brazilian adults with an average age of 52. All participants were public employees in six major cities and took part in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), which began in 2008. At the start, they completed detailed questionnaires about their food and drink intake, allowing researchers to estimate their daily consumption of the seven tested sweeteners.

Participants were divided into three groups based on their sweetener intake: low (20 mg/day), medium (66 mg/day), and high (191 mg/day). Cognitive tests, including word recall and word naming, were conducted three times over the eight-year period. Even those in the low group showed some level of cognitive decline, though the effect was much smaller compared to the higher intake groups.

This growing body of research raises important questions about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on brain health. As more studies emerge, the conversation around diet and cognitive well-being is becoming increasingly urgent.