Hidden danger in diet products: 6 popular artificial sweeteners rapidly aging the brain

The negative effects of low- and zero-calorie artificial sweeteners, which are preferred to reduce sugar consumption, control weight or keep blood sugar balanced, on long-term brain health have been revealed.

A large-scale study published in Neurology, the official medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has proven that six different commonly used artificial sweeteners significantly impair mental abilities and memory.

The study, which followed nearly 13 thousand people for eight years, showed that those who used artificial sweeteners aged much faster mentally.

THE RATE OF MENTAL DECLINE INCREASES BY 62 PERCENT

Working at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, Dr. The research team, led by Claudia Kimie Suemoto, examined the eating habits of 12,772 adults with an average age of 52.

In the evaluations made after factors such as age, gender, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases are taken under control; It was determined that the rate of decline in mental abilities of the group consuming the highest amount of sweetener was 62% higher than that of those consuming the least.

Scientists emphasize that this rate of decline corresponds to an additional 1.6 years of cognitive brain aging over an eight-year period.

In the group consuming 191 milligrams of sweetener per day, which corresponds to an average of one can of diet drinks; Serious decreases in verbal fluency, word recall and information processing speed were noted.

THERE ARE 6 COMMON SWEETENERS ON THE SUSPECTIVE LIST

Eight different substances frequently used in ultra-processed foods, diet sodas, flavored waters and low-calorie desserts were examined in the study.

As a result of the analysis, the six artificial sweeteners that were determined to be directly related to the decline in brain functions were:

aspartame

saccharine

Acesulfame-K

erythritol

sorbitol

xylitol

Among the substances examined, only a direct link between the sweetener 'tagatose' and mental decline was not detected.

Amin researchers state that this does not mean that tagatosis protects the brain.

DIABETES AND UNDER 60 YEARS OF RISK GROUP

One of the most critical findings of the research was the distribution of risk groups.

It has been determined that the negative effects of artificial sweeteners on the brain are much more pronounced in individuals under the age of 60 and in diabetic patients.

It was emphasized that diabetic patients who constantly turn to diet products to limit their sugar intake are more harmed by this process.

Experts stated that the data obtained showed a strong correlation rather than a cause-effect relationship; It warns that natural alternatives and unprocessed foods should be preferred instead of artificial sweeteners.