Sweeteners can harm cognitive health equivalent to 1.6 years of ageing
7 days ago
- #health
- #cognitive-decline
- #nutrition
- Sweeteners in yoghurts and fizzy drinks may impair cognitive function and memory.
- High consumption of sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin linked to 62% faster cognitive decline, equivalent to aging 1.6 years.
- Artificial low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCs) and sugar alcohols may cause long-term harm to cognitive health.
- Sweeteners associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, depression, and dementia.
- Researchers recommend natural alternatives like tagatose, honey, or maple syrup over artificial sweeteners.
- Study involved 12,772 Brazilian civil servants, tracking sweetener intake and cognitive performance over eight years.
- Daily LNC consumption linked to accelerated decline in memory, verbal fluency, and global cognition.
- Cognitive decline effects observed primarily in participants under 60 years old.
- Sweeteners studied also found in flavored water, low-calorie desserts, and energy drinks.
- Industry groups dispute findings, citing sweetener safety and lack of direct causation evidence.