Neurology: Sugar substitute identified that does not accelerate brain aging

Artificial sweeteners — with the exception of tagatose — may accelerate cognitive decline and impair memory, especially in people with diabetes. This conclusion was reached by researchers at the University of São Paulo (Brazil). The results were published in the journal *Neurology*.

The scientists analyzed dietary and health data from 12,772 adults, with an average age of 52. Over 24 years, participants completed questionnaires about their diet, including consumption of diet beverages and low- or no-calorie sweeteners.

Based on sweetener intake, participants were divided into three groups — low to high consumption. Daily intake ranged from 20 to 191 milligrams, with sorbitol being the most commonly used sweetener.

Cognitive function was assessed through tests of memory, language skills, working memory, and processing speed. The study found that active consumers of artificial sweeteners experienced cognitive decline 62% faster than those with minimal intake.

On average, regular sweetener users had accelerated brain aging by 1.6 years. Even moderate consumption was associated with a 35% faster decline in cognitive function.

The negative effect was most pronounced in participants under 60 and in people with diabetes. No such association was observed in older adults over 60.

The study also found that nearly all sweeteners studied — including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol — accelerated cognitive decline. The only exception was tagatose, which occurs in small amounts in berries, fruits, vegetables, cocoa, milk, and dairy products.

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