Study Links Sweeteners to Cognitive Decline Equivalent to Aging

Research indicates that the consumption of artificial sweeteners, commonly found in products like yoghurts and fizzy drinks, may significantly impair cognitive health. A study involving 12,772 civil servants in Brazil suggests that high intake of sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin correlates with a 62% faster decline in cognitive abilities, equating to a cognitive aging effect of approximately 1.6 years.

The research, led by Claudia Kimie Suemoto from the University of São Paulo, emphasizes the potential long-term harm sweeteners may pose to cognitive function. The study’s findings highlight that individuals consuming the highest amounts of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCs) experienced a more rapid deterioration in memory and thinking skills.

According to the study published in the American medical journal Neurology, the participants, who had an average age of 52, were tracked over an average of eight years. They completed detailed questionnaires about their dietary habits and underwent cognitive assessments, including verbal fluency and word recall tests.

Findings Raise Concerns Over Sweetener Consumption

The results revealed that daily consumption of LNCs was associated with accelerated declines in cognitive functions, particularly in individuals under the age of 60. Sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol were specifically noted for their negative impact.

“Our findings suggest the possibility of long-term harm from low- and no-calorie sweeteners consumption, particularly artificial LNCs and sugar alcohols, on cognitive function,” the researchers concluded. The implications of these findings suggest that consumers should consider alternatives like tagatose, honey, or maple syrup instead of traditional sweeteners.

Previous research has linked artificial sweeteners to various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, cardiovascular problems, and even mental health disorders such as depression. The association with cognitive decline raises additional concerns about the long-term impacts of sweeteners on brain health.

Industry Response Challenges Study Validity

Despite the concerning findings, industry representatives have expressed skepticism regarding the study’s conclusions. Gavin Partington, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, remarked, “By the authors’ own admission, this study cannot prove cause.” He emphasized that non-sugar sweeteners have been deemed safe by leading health authorities globally and have played a role in reducing sugar content in food products significantly. Partington noted that since 2015, UK manufacturers have removed nearly 750 million kilograms of sugar from products through the use of these sweeteners.

The International Sweeteners Association also weighed in, stating that there is an “established scientific consensus” regarding the safety of sweeteners. They pointed out that this observational study can only indicate a statistical association and does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sweetener consumption and cognitive decline.

As the debate continues, the findings of this study serve as a pivotal reminder for consumers to reassess their dietary choices, particularly regarding artificial sweeteners. The potential implications for public health underscore the need for further research into the long-term effects of these widely consumed additives on cognitive health.