Research published in Neurology suggests a link between high consumption of certain low-calorie sweeteners and faster declines in memory and thinking skills.

A study of 12,772 adults in Brazil has identified an association between the consumption of specific sugar substitutes and accelerated cognitive decline. Published in the journal Neurology, the research followed participants with an average age of 52 over approximately eight years. Those with the highest intake of sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in overall thinking and memory abilities compared to those with the lowest intake.

Study Methodology and Findings

Researchers analyzed seven sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. Participants were divided into three groups based on their daily intake, with the highest group averaging 191 mg/day compared to 20 mg/day in the lowest group. Cognitive assessments measuring verbal fluency, working memory, and processing speed were conducted at the start, midpoint, and end of the study. Six of the seven sweeteners studied were linked to faster cognitive decline, with tagatose being the only exception. The observed decline in the highest consumption group was estimated to be equivalent to approximately 1.6 additional years of aging.

Age and Health Factors

The association between sweetener intake and cognitive decline was notably stronger in participants younger than 60, while no such link was detected in those older than 60. Additionally, the connection was more pronounced among individuals with diabetes, who may consume these products more frequently to manage blood sugar levels. Study author Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto emphasized that the research is observational and does not prove that sweeteners directly cause cognitive decline. Other factors could contribute to the observed patterns, and the study relied on self-reported dietary data, which can be subject to inaccuracies.