Low- and no-calorie sweeteners, commonly found in yoghurts and fizzy drinks, may damage cognitive function in middle-aged adults, according to a new study. Researchers found that high consumption of sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin was linked to a 62% faster decline in thinking and memory skills, equivalent to 1.6 years of ageing.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, followed 12,772 civil servants in Brazil with an average age of 52 for about eight years. Participants completed dietary questionnaires and underwent cognitive tests measuring verbal fluency and word recall. Those with the highest sweetener intake showed accelerated decline in memory, verbal fluency, and global cognition.
The association was only observed in participants under 60, suggesting middle-aged adults should reduce sweetener use. The researchers examined seven sweeteners, including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol. They recommended alternatives like tagatose, honey, or maple syrup.
Previous studies have linked sweeteners to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart problems, depression, and dementia. However, industry bodies questioned the findings. Gavin Partington of the British Soft Drinks Association noted the study could not prove causation, while the International Sweeteners Association cited an established scientific consensus on safety.
