Zero-calorie sweeteners have become the preferred choice for many weight loss enthusiasts and people living with diabetes in the recent times. Aiding in weight loss, and blood sugar control, they are added to a variety of low-calorie foods and desserts. Marketed as ‘health foods’, they are often regarded as a safer alternative for refined sugar. However, recent studies have pointed out side effects that could have long-term health implications.
A new Brazilian study published in the journal Neurology linked the excess consumption of six artificial sweeteners to faster cognitive decline. The people who consumed the highest levels of certain artificial sweeteners (one diet soda a day) witnessed major decline in their ability to remember and recall words when compared to people who consumed the lowest levels, as per the study.
The researchers noted that people who consumed the most low-or no-calorie sweeteners demonstrated a 62% faster global cognitive decline than those who consumed the lowest amount (1.6 years of brain ageing).
The highest risk was seen among younger adults under 60 and people with diabetes. People aged over 60 did not seem to be affected.
Artificial sweeteners linked to memory loss and cognitive decline
Six out of the seven artificial sweeteners – aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol, were found to have a damaging effect on cognition, while tagatose didn’t cause such harm. Researchers involved 12,772 adults averaging 52 years old for an eight-year period for the purpose of the study wherein the participants filled out questionnaires about their dietary habits.
As per the study, the highest group consumed an average of 191 milligrams per day, while the lowest group had around 20 milligrams. Cognitive tests to assess memory, language and thinking skills, were given to the participants during the study period.
The age group that witnessed greater brain ageing
Not old age, but consuming artificial sweeteners during middle age was found to be more harmful.
Researchers noted that people under the age of 60 who consumed the highest amounts of sweeteners demonstrated faster declines in verbal fluency and overall cognition, while those over age 60 didn’t experience such decline.
“Cognitive decline and dementia are thought to begin developing decades before symptoms become noticeable, so exposures during midlife may accelerate these processes and have long-term consequences,” study author Claudia Kimie Suemoto of the University of São Paulo in Brazil, told Fox News Digital.
Diabetics experienced greater memory decline
In people with diabetes, the decline in memory and cognition was more pronounced as per the researchers, as they are more likely to add artificial sweeteners to their diet compared to people without the condition. People with diabetes also are at a greater risk of cognitive decline due to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
“In addition, diabetes itself is already a strong risk factor for cognitive decline related to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which probably makes the brain more vulnerable to harmful exposures. More research is needed to confirm our findings and to investigate if other refined sugar alternatives, such as applesauce, honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar may be effective alternatives,” added Suemoto.
What is the healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners
The researchers said people could have fruits, honey or maple syrup in moderation which will help them avoid the potential risks and at the same time promote a natural and balanced diet.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, water, nuts and cheese are healthy snack options people can add to their diet.