The unexpected link between artificial sweeteners and brain aging
A recent report shook the world of health and nutrition in Argentina. According to a scientific study, excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners could accelerate brain aging, especially in young adults. The research, published in the journal Neurology , closely monitored the diets of more than 12,700 people for eight years. Its results raise serious questions about a widespread eating habit among those trying to manage their weight.
The study concluded that those who ingested more than seven types of these synthetic additives, found in "light" products, experienced a more rapid cognitive decline. Specifically, their brains aged the equivalent of 1.6 additional years. Surprisingly, this effect was most noticeable in those under 60 and in people with diabetes. In contrast, the same pattern was not observed in older adults.
Synthetic sweeteners, what was analyzed?
The research was led by the University of São Paulo, with a sample of Brazilian adults with an average age of 52. For nearly a decade, participants completed questionnaires to record their food and beverage consumption. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of artificial sweeteners, so common in soft drinks, low-fat yogurts, and low-calorie desserts.
The types of sweeteners under scrutiny were aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. A huge difference in average consumption was found between the groups: 191 milligrams per day in the highest intake group versus just 20 milligrams in the lowest. These data, detailed in the report, show the magnitude of consumption in the most affected segment.
What is the impact on brain health?
The study showed that cognitive decline was associated with six of the seven sweeteners analyzed, with a greater impact on memory. The decline in the high-consumption group was 62% faster than in those who rarely used them. According to lead author Claudia Kimie Suemoto, it is a myth to think that these additives are harmless. She noted that the results suggest a particular vulnerability in middle age, a key period for long-term brain health.
The study, however, clarifies that no causal relationship was established. That is, it doesn't prove that sweeteners cause the problem, only that there's a strong statistical association. Future research is expected to explore biological mechanisms behind this link, for example, possible neuroinflammation or metabolic alterations.
Research limitations and industry response
The Brazilian report acknowledges some important limitations. For example, the dietary analysis was conducted only at the beginning of the study, without considering possible changes in habits. Furthermore, the information was self-reported by participants, which could include recall bias. A key point is that sweeteners such as Stevia were not included in the analysis.
Following the release of the study, the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) urged caution. They noted that organizations such as the US FDA and the European Food and Drug Administration (EFSA) consider these products safe in approved doses. The American Diabetes Association, for its part, advises reducing sugar intake, but also being cautious with synthetic substitutes. The authors' final advice is simple and compelling: a diet based on fresh, natural foods is best.
