Cognitive Decline

“These 6 Artificial Sweeteners May Be Linked to Cognitive Decline, New Study Finds.”

A large new study suggests that some sweeteners may speed up cognitive decline, especially in middle-aged adults, raising questions about how safe these sugar substitutes really are.

Artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, but new research suggests they may not be so harmless for brain health. A large, long-term study has found a link between consuming low- and no-calorie sweeteners and cognitive decline, especially in people under 60 years old.

The first-of-its-kind study adds to the body of research suggesting that artificial sweeteners may come with health consequences — but they also have some benefits, such as being lower in calories, reducing risk of cavities and aiding in blood sugar management.

So what does the new research mean if you regularly consume artificial sweeteners? Here’s what to know.
Which Sweeteners Were Linked to Cognitive Decline?

The study followed over 12,000 middle-aged Brazilian adults for eight years, measuring their dietary intake of seven common sweeteners using self-reporting. One sweetener, tagatose, was not associated with cognitive decline; the other six were:

Aspartame
Saccharin
Acesulfame-K
Erythritol
Sorbitol
Xylitol

“We used the sweeteners that were available in Brazil at the time (of enrollment),” Dr. Claudia Suemoto, associate professor of geriatrics at the University of Sao Paulo and one of the study authors, tells TODAY.com via email. “Unfortunately, some sweeteners, like sucralose and stevia, were not available.”

Researchers found that higher intake of the six sweeteners was significantly associated with declines in global cognition and verbal fluency based on several different cognitive tests. The results were similar among all participants, but the link between low- and no-calorie sweeteners and memory decline was strongest in people with diabetes.

More Information at:
https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/artificial-sweeteners-cognitive-decline-study-rcna228871