Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners Linked to Accelerated Cognitive Decline
New research links the frequent intake of low- and no-calorie sweeteners to faster cognitive decline, raising concerns about their long-term impact on brain health.
Recent research has identified a concerning association between the consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs) and a faster rate of cognitive decline. The study, published online on September 3, 2025, in the journal Neurology, highlights that frequent intake of these artificial sweeteners may negatively impact brain health over time.
Led by Dr. Natalia Gomes Gonçalves from the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, the research analyzed data from over 12,700 civil servants aged 35 and above, collected through the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. Participants’ LNCS intake was assessed using Food Frequency Questionnaires, focusing on seven different types of artificial sweeteners.
The findings revealed that individuals consuming higher amounts of LNCSs, with an average of approximately 92 mg per day, experienced a more rapid decline in cognitive functions, particularly in verbal fluency, memory, and overall cognition, over an eight-year period. Importantly, this link was more evident in adults under 60 years old, while no significant association was observed in older participants.
Specific sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol were individually associated with declining cognitive abilities. The study also differentiated between participants with and without diabetes, finding that higher intake correlated with a faster decline in verbal fluency and memory, respectively.
Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto, coauthor of the study, emphasized that while LNCSs are often regarded as healthier alternatives to sugar, these findings suggest they may pose risks to brain health if consumed excessively over time. The research underscores the importance of re-evaluating dietary choices concerning artificial sweeteners and their long-term effects on cognitive health.
Overall, this study urges caution in the consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners and highlights the need for further research to understand their full impact on brain function.
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