Researchers have reported a possible link between the consumption of certain low- and no-calorie sweeteners and a faster decline in memory and thinking abilities. The findings highlight questions about the long-term effects of frequently used sugar substitutes on brain health.
Study Examines Nearly 13,000 Adults
The research examined 12,772 adults in Brazil, with an average starting age of 52. Participants were followed for approximately eight years, during which researchers assessed changes in memory, language skills and information-processing speed.
The study compared people with different levels of sweetener consumption to understand whether their dietary habits were associated with changes in cognitive performance over time.
High Sweetener Intake Linked to Faster Decline
Participants in the highest-consumption group experienced a 62% faster decline in overall thinking and memory abilities than those in the lowest-consumption group. The difference was estimated to be equivalent to approximately 1.6 additional years of cognitive aging over the study period.
Even participants with moderate intake showed a measurable association, experiencing a 35% faster decline compared with the lowest-consumption group.
The researchers examined seven sweeteners commonly used in foods and drinks: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose. Six were associated with faster cognitive decline, while tagatose showed no such association in this study.
What the Findings Mean for Everyday Diets
Low-calorie sweeteners are often used in diet drinks, flavoured water, yoghurt and sugar-free desserts. They are also popular among people seeking to reduce their sugar intake.
However, the researchers stressed that the results show an association, not proof of cause and effect. The study does not establish that artificial sweeteners directly damage the brain or that everyone who consumes them will develop memory problems.
The association appeared stronger among people with diabetes and adults younger than 60. Further research is needed to establish whether the sweeteners themselves contribute to cognitive changes and how different consumption levels may affect long-term brain health.
For consumers, the findings underline the importance of looking at overall dietary habits rather than assuming that every sugar substitute automatically offers a health advantage.
