Not so safe: Zero-calorie sweeteners may accelerate brain aging, study finds

A new study has raised concerns over the long-term effects of commonly consumed zero-calorie sweeteners on brain function. With the increasing focus on sugar reduction, especially for people who want to manage their weight and metabolic disorders, sugar substitutes are on the rise.

Researchers have found that consumption of some sugar substitutes on a daily basis can be linked with faster cognitive aging, particularly in memory and thinking skills. The study demands reconsideration over the bulk use of these sweeteners as a part of regular diets. These sweeteners are found everywhere from diet sodas to sugar-free gum, these are often marketed as "healthy" alternatives to sugar, but are they? let's find out..


What are the most common food items these sweeteners are found in:

• Protein bars and energy bars
• Flavoured yogurts
• Sugar free candies and chocolates
• Diet soda
• Ice creams, frozen deserts
• Toothpaste, mouthwash

Looking at these items that we consume almost everyday, we now "KNOW" how harmful what we ingest might be for our brain..

The study



The research ( published in the Neurology journals) followed more than 12,000 Brazilian adults for eight years and followed their consumption of common sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Those who used most of these sweeteners experienced significant declines in memory and cognitive function at a much quicker pace than those who used them sparingly. The study determined the cognitive difference was the equivalent of around 1.6 years' worth of extra brain aging .

The study also found that the effect was more pronounced among individuals below the age of 60 and those with diabetes. Both groups are more susceptible to using sugar substitutes as a means of maintaining blood sugar, but the study suggests that such actions could have unforeseen consequences on the brain.

How sweeteners might affect the brain



Though the research isn't definitively proving that sweeteners cause cognitive impairment, there are several potential mechanisms that have been hypothesized. One hypothesis is changes in the gut microbiome. Some artificial sweeteners have been shown to alter the balance of good to bad bacteria in the gut, leading to body-wide inflammation that can find its way into the brain. Another mechanism is neuroinflammation. Certain sweeteners may cause low-grade inflammatory responses in the brain that, over a period of time, could lead to memory loss and impaired cognitive function.

Researchers also postulate that even though these sweeteners have no calories, they may affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Glucose blood sugar control is known to affect brain function, especially in people with diabetes. The combined effect of the alterations caused by metabolism and inflammation can be the explanation behind the greatest consumers of sweeteners having a more rapid cognitive decline.

Sweeteners investigated



The study specifically examined six best-selling zero-calorie sweeteners:

• •Aspartame, in most Equal and NutraSweet
• •Saccharin, in Sweet'N Low
• •Acesulfame
• •Erythritol
• •Xylitol
• •Sorbitol

Each of these sweeteners had been connected to faster loss of cognitive function in the studies. Tagatose, a low-calorie sweetener, didn't show the same outcomes, which means not all substitutes are equally dangerous.

Practical advice



Experts recommend minimizing artificial sweeteners, particularly among individuals under 60 years old and people with diabetes. While sporadic intake will not probably cause much damage, regular intake can contribute to long-term changes in the brain. Natural sweeteners like stevia, honey, or maple syrup can be healthier options, but moderation must still be practiced because consuming too much sugar impacts brain and overall well-being too.