Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Study: Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Faster Brain Aging
Imagine your brain is like a car engine.
This study looked at how artificial sweeteners, found in diet sodas and sugar-free products, might be making that engine wear out faster.
Researchers found that people who used more artificial sweeteners had a harder time remembering things, like their brain was aging quicker.
Some sweeteners might cause problems in the brain, like inflammation, and also mess with how your gut works.
The study suggests that using lots of artificial sweeteners may not be good for your brain in the long run.
So, you might want to think about how much you consume.
Study links higher artificial sweetener consumption to faster cognitive decline.
Participants in the highest consumption group showed a 62% faster decline in memory.
The study examined nearly 13,000 Brazilians over eight years.
Sweeteners studied included aspartame, saccharin, and erythritol, among others.
Researchers suggest moderating artificial sweetener intake for better brain health.
- Who
- Researchers analyzed nearly 13,000 Brazilians.
- What
- An observational study found an association between artificial sweetener consumption and faster cognitive decline.
- When
- The study observed participants over eight years.
- Where
- The study was conducted in Brazil.
- Why
- To understand the impact of artificial sweeteners on cognitive function and brain aging.
- Study Focus
- Association between artificial sweetener use and cognitive decline
- Participants
- Nearly 13,000 Brazilians aged 35-75
- Key Sweeteners Studied
- Aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose
- Highest Consumption Group
- Consumed an average of 191 milligrams of artificial sweeteners daily
- Cognitive Decline (High Consumption)
- 62% faster decline compared to lowest consumption, equivalent to 1.6 years of brain aging
- Cognitive Decline (Middle Consumption)
- 35% faster decline, equivalent to 1.3 years of aging.