Sweeteners linked to 62% faster mental decline identified by scientists

Artificial sweeteners commonly found in yoghurts and fizzy drinks can significantly impair cognitive abilities, with the heaviest consumers experiencing a 62 per cent acceleration in mental decline, scientists have warned.

The study discovered that individuals who consumed the highest quantities of sweeteners showed markedly faster deterioration in their thinking and memory capabilities compared to those with minimal intake.

Scientists concluded that low- and no-calorie sweeteners, particularly artificial varieties and sugar alcohols, may inflict “long-term harm” on cognitive function.

These findings add to mounting evidence about sweetener-related health risks, following previous research linking them to various conditions including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression and dementia.

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The research examined 12,772 Brazilian civil servants over approximately eight years, with participants averaging 52 years of age.

Through dietary questionnaires and cognitive assessments measuring verbal fluency and word recall, scientists tracked sweetener consumption and mental performance.

The most concerning sweeteners identified included aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, sorbitol and xylitol, all linked to cognitive deterioration.

Researchers calculated that high sweetener consumption accelerated mental decline by an amount comparable to 1.6 years of natural ageing.

Notably, this cognitive impact appeared exclusively in participants younger than 60, suggesting middle-aged adults face particular vulnerability to sweetener-related mental deterioration.

The study’s lead researcher, Claudia Kimie Suemoto from the University of São Paulo, cautioned that “low and no-calorie sweeteners are often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar. However, our findings suggest certain sweeteners may have negative effects on brain health over time.”

The research team recommended consumers switch to tagatose, a naturally occurring sweetener, or traditional alternatives such as honey and maple syrup.

Their paper, published in the American journal Neurology, stated that “daily consumption of LNCs was associated with accelerated decline in memory, verbal fluency and global cognition.”

These sweeteners are prevalent in flavoured waters, reduced-calorie desserts and energy drinks.

Food and beverage industry representatives have challenged the research conclusions, emphasising that the study’s observational nature cannot establish causation.

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Gavin Partington, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, stated: “By the authors’ own admission, this study cannot prove cause.”

He highlighted that global health authorities have deemed non-sugar sweeteners safe, noting their decades-long use across foods, medicines, dental products and beverages.

Partington added that sweetener usage has enabled UK soft drinks manufacturers to eliminate nearly 750 million kilograms of sugar from products since 2015.

The International Sweeteners Association similarly stressed that the research demonstrates only statistical correlation rather than direct causation between sweetener consumption and cognitive decline.

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