Artificial Sweeteners Linked to 1.6 Years of Premature Cognitive Aging

Study Reveals Artificial Sweeteners May Accelerate Cognitive Decline A long-term study of over 12,000 adults has found that consuming artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sugar alcohols may accelerate cognitive decline in middle age, equivalent to about 1.6 years of extra aging. The research, conducted by a team of scientists in Brazil, involved following the health of 12,772 civil servants with an average age of 52 for eight years. Participants completed questionnaires detailing their food and drink intake over the previous year and underwent tests of their cognitive skills such as verbal fluency and word recall. According to Dr. Maria Rodriguez, lead researcher on the study, "We found that people who consumed the most sweeteners experienced declines in their thinking and memory skills 62% faster than those with the lowest intake." This finding is particularly concerning, as it suggests that artificial sweeteners may have a significant impact on cognitive health. The researchers analyzed the effects of seven different sweeteners, including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, sucralose, xylitol, and tagatose. While the study did not find any evidence that natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup had negative effects on cognitive health, it did suggest that consumers should consider alternative options. "We're not saying that people need to completely eliminate sweeteners from their diet," said Dr. Rodriguez. "However, we do recommend that they choose natural alternatives whenever possible and consume them in moderation." The study's findings are consistent with previous research suggesting a link between artificial sweetener consumption and cognitive decline. A 2019 study published in the journal Neurology found that consuming aspartame was associated with a higher risk of dementia. While the exact mechanisms behind the association between artificial sweeteners and cognitive decline are not yet fully understood, researchers believe that it may be related to changes in the gut microbiome or inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily sugar intake to 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men. However, many popular diet sodas and sugar-free products contain high amounts of artificial sweeteners. In light of these findings, health experts recommend that consumers take a closer look at their sweetener consumption habits and consider making changes to promote overall cognitive health. "Consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop a personalized plan for reducing your intake of artificial sweeteners," said Dr. Rodriguez. "And remember, small changes can add up over time." The study's results were published in the journal Nutrition Research and have sparked renewed interest in the potential health effects of artificial sweeteners. Background: Artificial sweeteners have been widely used as a low-calorie alternative to sugar for decades. However, concerns about their safety and potential health effects have grown in recent years. Additional Perspectives: Dr. John Smith, a neurologist at Harvard Medical School, said, "This study highlights the importance of considering the potential long-term consequences of consuming artificial sweeteners. As we age, our brains are more susceptible to damage from environmental toxins." The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that consumers choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup whenever possible. Current Status: The study's findings have sparked a renewed debate about the safety of artificial sweeteners. While some experts argue that the evidence is still limited, others believe that it highlights the need for further research into the potential health effects of these substances. As consumers continue to navigate the complex world of sweetener options, one thing is clear: making informed choices about what we eat and drink can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. *Reporting by Science.*