(NewsNation) — Consuming popular sugar substitutes may be linked to a faster decline in memory and thinking skills, according to new research.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found an association between sweetener consumption and cognitive decline.
“Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar; however, our findings suggest certain sweeteners may have negative effects on brain health over time,” said study author Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto of the University of São Paulo.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 adults and examined seven sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose, all of which contain few or no calories.
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They found that adults who consumed higher amounts of sweeteners experienced a 62% faster rate of cognitive decline. The association with accelerated brain aging was particularly evident among participants with diabetes.
People in the middle-consumption group experienced cognitive decline that was 35% faster than that of participants in the lowest-consumption group. To measure changes over time, participants completed cognitive assessments at the beginning, midpoint and end of the study.
“While we found links to cognitive decline for middle-aged people both with and without diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to use artificial sweeteners as sugar substitutes,” Suemoto said.
Sweeteners are commonly added to ultra-processed foods and beverages. Many are also sold separately for use in coffee, tea, cooking and baking.
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