In Brief
- High intake of sugar substitutes was associated with a 62% faster rate of cognitive decline.
- Six popular sweeteners—aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol—were linked to decreased cognitive performance.
- The observed rate of decline was estimated to be equivalent to an additional 1.6 years of brain aging.
- The strongest associations occurred among middle-aged adults under 60 and individuals with diabetes.
- Researchers emphasized that the study was observational and does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Study Links Common Artificial Sweeteners to Faster Decline in Memory and Thinking Skills
A study tracking nearly 13,000 adults over eight years found that high consumption of low- and no-calorie artificial sweeteners is associated with significantly accelerated cognitive decline.
Participants who reported consuming the highest amounts of sugar substitutes—averaging around 191 mg per day, or roughly the amount in a single diet soda—showed a 62% faster decline in memory and thinking abilities compared to those with minimal intake. According to the research team, this drop in performance corresponds to approximately 1.6 additional years of cognitive brain aging.
Key Sweeteners and Vulnerable Groups
The study evaluated several widely used artificial sweeteners found in diet drinks, sugar-free candies, and ultra-processed foods. Six specific substitutes—aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol—were individually linked to reduced performance across standardized cognitive tests.
The association between sweetener intake and cognitive decline was most pronounced among middle-aged adults under 60 and participants diagnosed with diabetes.
Observational Findings and Next Steps
While the findings raise important questions regarding the long-term impact of artificial sweeteners on brain health, researchers cautioned that the study's observational design cannot prove direct causation. Further clinical research is required to determine whether artificial sweeteners actively impair neural health or if underlying dietary habits drive the connection.
