Are artificial sweeteners aging our brains?

Artificial sweeteners are widely used, especially by people with diabetes, because they help limit blood sugar spikes. Approved by health authorities like the FDA, options such as aspartame, sucralose, erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit are generally considered safe.

However, growing research is raising new questions about their long-term effects. A recent study published in Neurology suggests that regular consumption of several common sweeteners may be linked to weaker memory and thinking abilities changes comparable to about 1.6 years of brain aging. While these findings don’t prove cause and effect, they have sparked public concern.

To explore this further, Medical News Today spoke with Dr. Claudia Suemoto, a physician and dementia researcher at the University of São Paulo and co-author of the study. In a podcast discussion, she explains what the research really shows, why more studies are needed, and whether people should rethink their use of sugar substitutes.

For now, experts say moderation is key, as science continues to examine how these sweeteners may affect brain health over time.

Synth by R.S