If you have been reaching for the pink, blue, or yellow packet instead of regular sugar, you are not alone. About 40% of people in the US regularly use low- and no-calorie sweeteners. For many of us, they seemed like the smart swap: all the sweetness, none of the sugar.
But a new study is raising some questions worth knowing about.
What the Research Found
Researchers tracked participants over eight years and looked at how their mental performance changed over time. The people who consumed the most low- and no-calorie sweeteners showed a 62% faster decline in mental performance compared to those who consumed the least.
That difference held up even after researchers accounted for other things that can affect brain health, including age, sex, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
What the Researcher Said
Study author Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto put it plainly.
“Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar, however our findings suggest certain sweeteners may have negative effects on brain health over time.”
These sweeteners are now found throughout the modern food supply. They show up in diet sodas, sugar-free yogurts, protein bars, and dozens of other everyday products.
What This Means for You
This is one study, and researchers are careful to say their findings suggest a possible connection, not a proven cause. But for those of us who have been using these sweeteners for years, it is worth a conversation with your doctor.
In the meantime, the bigger picture has not changed. Staying active, sleeping well, and keeping up with regular checkups are still among the best things you can do for your brain as you get older.
Sugar-free may be easier on your waistline. But as this research suggests, it may be worth thinking about what else you are trading for that benefit.
