Sweeteners synthesized artificially speed up brain aging process

A new study, published in Neurology in 2025, has raised concerns about the potential impact of certain artificial sweeteners on brain health. The research, conducted by Claudia Kimie Suemoto of the University of São Paulo in Brazil, examined seven artificial sweeteners: Aspartame, Saccharin, Acesulfame-K, Erythritol, Xylitol, Sorbitol, and Tagatose.

The study involved a total of 12,772 adults from Brazil, with an average age of 52 years, and an average observation period of eight years. Participants were divided into three groups based on their consumption of artificial sweeteners, with the lowest group consuming an average of 20 milligrams per day and the highest group consuming an average of 191 milligrams per day.

The study found that people who consumed the highest amounts of these sweeteners showed a faster decline in overall cognitive and memory performance. The cognitive and memory performance of individuals with the highest sweetener consumption declined overall by 62% faster than those with the lowest consumption, equivalent to an aging of about 1.6 years.

Interestingly, the correlation between the use of these artificial sweeteners and cognitive decline was even more pronounced in people with diabetes. Age seemed to play a crucial role in the study, with those under 60 years showing a faster decline in verbal expression and general cognitive abilities if they had the highest sweetener consumption. Those in the middle group experienced a 35% faster decline, corresponding to an aging of about 1.3 years.

However, it's important to note that the study did not prove that these sweeteners are the actual cause of cognitive decline. Instead, it found a correlation between the two. Furthermore, the study did not investigate whether apple sauce, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar could be effective alternatives to refined sugar.

The study also did not specifically address the health implications of Aspartame, stevia, and other sweeteners. It's crucial to approach these findings with caution and to continue to monitor ongoing research in this area.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners, this study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that moderation in their consumption may be prudent for maintaining optimal brain health.