Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 13: A recent study has raised red flags over the long-term use of artificial sweeteners, suggesting a strong link between high consumption and accelerated cognitive decline. Conducted by researchers at the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, the study tracked over 12,000 individuals and found that those who regularly consumed common low- and no-calorie sweeteners—such as aspartame, saccharin, xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, tagatose, and acesulfame K—experienced significantly faster declines in memory, thinking, and verbal fluency.

Published in the journal Neurology, the findings revealed that heavy users of these sweeteners saw a 62% faster decline in cognitive function compared to low consumers, effectively ageing their brains by an additional 1.6 years. Those with moderate intake weren't spared either, experiencing a 35% faster decline in memory and thinking abilities, and a 110% faster drop in verbal fluency. The most severe decline—173% in verbal fluency—was seen among the high consumption group.

Medical experts in India have echoed the concern. Dr. Manjari Tripathi, head of neurology at AIIMS, noted that both sugar and its substitutes not only elevate risks for diabetes and cancer but also impair brain vascular cells. She urged the public to limit their intake of sweeteners. Dr. Anshu Rohatgi, Vice-Chairperson of Neurology at a city hospital, pointed out that diabetics, who are often encouraged to use such sweeteners, may be at greater risk. She explained that artificial sweeteners could be triggering neuroinflammation or altering the gut microbiome—both of which may contribute to cognitive decline.

While these findings are worrying, they contrast with earlier research, such as a 2024 study by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, which showed that limited use of sweeteners like sucralose did not adversely affect blood glucose or HbA1c levels and even helped slightly reduce body weight, waist circumference, and BMI.

However, caution is growing globally. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally raised concerns about the widespread use of non-nutritive sweeteners, including among people with diabetes, urging a re-evaluation of their long-term health impact.

As diabetes and lifestyle-related diseases continue to rise, the debate over artificial sweeteners—and their role in both managing and potentially harming long-term health—remains far from settled.