New Study Links Artificial Sweeteners too Accelerated Brain Aging, Particularly in Midlife

Breaking News: A recent study published in the journal Neurology has revealed a potential link between the consumption of six common artificial sweeteners and accelerated brain aging, with individuals potentially experiencing cognitive decline equivalent to 1.6 years of aging. The findings raise concerns about the widespread use of “sugar-free” products.

The research,led by Associate Professor Claudia Kimie Suemoto at the University of São Paulo,Brazil,followed over 12,000 Brazilian civil servants between the ages of 35 and 75,with an average age of 52,as part of the 2008 “Electronic Study on Adult Health in brazil” (ELSA-Brasil). Participants were categorized based on daily sweetener intake: low (approximately 20 mg/day), medium (approximately 66 mg/day), and high (approximately 191 mg/day). Notably, a single can of sugar-free cola can contain around 200 mg of aspartame.The study demonstrated that even low levels of sweetener consumption were associated with observable declines in brain function. The effects were more pronounced in the medium and high intake groups. Researchers found that consuming just one can of sugar-free cola daily may contribute to brain aging of 1.6 years and a 62% reduction in cognitive ability.

The impact appears to be most important in individuals under the age of 60. The study also indicated a stronger affect on those with diabetes, though non-diabetic individuals are not immune. The negative effects on brain health were less pronounced in older participants.

While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, experts suggest several potential pathways. Aspartame may break down into toxic byproducts that damage brain cells, impacting memory and thinking. Erythritol has been linked to cerebrovascular damage, potentially reducing blood flow and increasing stroke risk. Othre sweeteners may contribute to brain inflammation or blood clotting, accelerating cognitive degeneration.

Interestingly, one sweetener tested – tagatose – showed no association with declining brain health. Tagatose is naturally found in certain fruits and dairy products. Researchers suggest considering tagatose, or natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, as alternatives. However, tagatose is not currently approved for use in food products in Taiwan.”Even a small amount of artificial sweetener is associated with brain aging and cognitive decline,” warns farming expert Wayne, who highlighted the study on his Facebook page, “Wayne’s farming Life,” and blog. He urges consumers to reconsider their choices before reaching for “sugar-free” drinks or snacks, questioning whether the perceived benefit of sweetness outweighs the potential risks.The artificial sweeteners examined in the study included:

Aspartame
Saccharin
Potassium Acetylsulfonate (AK)
Erythritol
Xylitol
Sorbitol

Source: Neurology journal study, ELSA-Brasil study.

Popular Sweetener May Undermine Cancer Therapies

Gut Bacteria Disruption Linked to Reduced Treatment Efficacy

A common sugar substitute, sucralose, is raising concerns among researchers who believe it could significantly hinder the effectiveness of vital cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapy.

New Research Uncovers Potential Treatment Conflict

A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre suggests that individuals consuming sucralose may experience poorer survival rates, especially those battling melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. The research indicates that the artificial sweetener might impede the body’s response to certain cancer therapies.

Sweetener Disrupts Gut Microbiome, Impairing Immune Cells

Testing in mice revealed that sucralose potentially disrupts the gut microbiome. This alteration leads to an increase in bacteria that degrade arginine, an amino acid crucial for immune function. The subsequent depletion of arginine levels impairs the ability of T cells to operate effectively.

“When arginine levels were depleted due to sucralose-driven shifts in the microbiome, T cells couldn’t function properly. As a result, immunotherapy wasn’t as effective in mice that were fed sucralose.”

—Dr. Abby Overacre, Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman

This disruption means immunotherapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment, may not perform as well in individuals with sucralose in their diet.

Arginine Supplementation Offers Hope for Counteraction

Encouragingly, the study also identified a potential solution: arginine supplementation. In mouse models, supplements that boosted arginine levels effectively counteracted the negative effects of sucralose on immunotherapy. This finding opens a promising avenue for future human clinical trials.

The importance of finding practical solutions for patients is paramount. Dr. Abby Overacre highlighted the challenges of imposing drastic dietary changes on individuals already undergoing intensive cancer treatment.

“It’s easy to say, ‘Stop drinking diet soda,’ but when patients are being treated for cancer, they are already dealing with enough, so asking them to drastically alter their diet may not be realistic. We need to meet patients where they are. That’s why it’s so exciting that arginine supplementation could be a simple approach to counteract the negative effects of sucralose on immunotherapy.”

—Dr. Abby Overacre, Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman

While sucralose is a widely used ingredient in many low-calorie products, research in the UK in 2023 linked artificial sweeteners to a higher risk of certain cancers, though definitive conclusions on direct causation in humans remain under investigation (BBC News, 2023).

sugar substitute

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