Diet Drink Sweeteners: Brain Aging Risk
- New research suggests a correlation between high consumption of artificial sweeteners and faster cognitive decline, particularly in adults under 60.
- Researchers followed 12,772 adults with an average age of 52, tracking their intake of seven artificial sweeteners commonly found in ultra-processed foods.
- This faster decline was equivalent to approximately 1.6 years of cognitive aging, according to the study.
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Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Cognitive Decline, Study Finds
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New research suggests a correlation between high consumption of artificial sweeteners and faster cognitive decline, particularly in adults under 60. The study, published in Neurology®, doesn’t prove causation but raises concerns about the long-term effects of these sugar substitutes.
The Study: Sweeteners and Cognitive Function
Researchers followed 12,772 adults with an average age of 52, tracking their intake of seven artificial sweeteners commonly found in ultra-processed foods. The study, published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, Neurology®, found that individuals consuming the highest total amounts of these sweeteners experienced a faster decline in overall thinking and memory skills compared to those with the lowest consumption.
This faster decline was equivalent to approximately 1.6 years of cognitive aging, according to the study. The correlation was particularly pronounced in participants under the age of 60. Importantly, the study established a link but did not demonstrate a causal relationship.
Which Sweeteners Were Studied?
The research focused on seven widely used artificial sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. These sweeteners are prevalent in a variety of products, including flavored water, soda, energy drinks, yogurt, and low-calorie desserts. They are also often used as standalone sugar substitutes.
| Sweetener | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| Aspartame | Diet sodas, sugar-free gum, tabletop sweeteners |
| Saccharin | Sugar-free syrups, canned fruits, diet drinks |
| Acesulfame-K | baked goods, frozen desserts, beverages |
| Erythritol | Sugar-free candies, baked goods, tabletop sweeteners |
| Xylitol | sugar-free gum, mints, dental products |
| Sorbitol | Sugar-free candies, syrups, baked goods |
| Tagatose | Baked goods, ice cream, yogurt |
Diabetes and Cognitive Risk
The study revealed an even stronger association between artificial sweetener consumption and cognitive decline in individuals with diabetes. This suggests that people managing diabetes may be particularly vulnerable to potential negative effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 37.3 million Americans, or 11.3% of the population, have diabetes as of 2023.