Sweeteners & Puberty: Risks for Kids
Sweeteners and early Puberty: A Growing Concern for children’s Health
A groundbreaking study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif., has shed light on a potential link between the consumption of common sweeteners and an increased risk of early puberty in children, particularly those with a genetic predisposition. This research offers a critical new viewpoint on the impact of modern dietary habits on adolescent development.
The study, wich analyzed data from the Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study (TPLS) involving 1,407 adolescents, found notable associations between the intake of aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin (found in licorice), and added sugars, and a higher risk of central precocious puberty. Notably, the more of these sweeteners the teenagers consumed, the greater their risk.
“This study is one of the first to connect modern dietary habits — specifically sweetener intake – with both genetic factors and early puberty development in a large, real-world cohort,” stated Yang-Ching Chen, M.D., Ph.D., of Taipei Municipal Wan Fang Hospital and Taipei Medical University. “It also highlights gender differences in how sweeteners affect boys and girls, adding an significant layer to our understanding of individualized health risks.”
Central precocious puberty, a type of early puberty, is becoming increasingly prevalent. its onset can lead to significant emotional distress, perhaps result in shorter adult height, and elevate the risk of future metabolic and reproductive health issues.
Dr. Chen’s prior research has indicated that certain sweeteners can directly influence hormones and gut bacteria, both of which are implicated in early puberty. For instance, the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium (acek) has been shown to stimulate the release of puberty-related hormones by activating “sweet taste” pathways in brain cells and increasing stress-related molecules. Glycyrrhizin, on the other hand, was found to disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and reduce the activity of genes crucial for triggering puberty.
“This suggests that what children eat and drink,especially products with sweeteners,may have a surprising and powerful impact on their development,” Dr. Chen emphasized.
The TPLS, initiated in 2018, meticulously assessed participants’ sweetener intake through validated questionnaires and urine sample testing.Genetic predisposition was evaluated using polygenic risk scores derived from 19 genes associated with central precocious puberty. Early puberty diagnoses were confirmed through medical examinations, hormone level analysis, and scans.
The findings revealed specific gender-related risks: sucralose consumption was linked to a higher risk of central precocious puberty in boys, while glycyrrhizin, sucralose, and added sugars were associated with an increased risk in girls.”The findings are directly relevant to families, pediatricians and public health authorities,” Dr. Chen concluded. “Thay suggest that screening for genetic risk and moderating sweetener intake could help prevent early puberty and its long-term health consequences. This could lead to new dietary guidelines or risk assessment tools for children, supporting healthier development.”
As our understanding of the intricate relationship between diet, genetics, and hormonal development continues to evolve, this research serves as a crucial reminder for parents and healthcare providers to critically evaluate the sweetener content in children’s diets. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, potentially shaping future public health recommendations and contributing to a more proactive approach to safeguarding children’s long-term well-being. This study not only provides a vital snapshot of current concerns but also lays the groundwork for ongoing research and informed dietary choices for generations to come.