November 05, 2025

Artificial Sweeteners Tied to Faster Brain Aging and Decline

7 minutes

Artificial sweeteners are linked to faster memory loss and thinking decline, equal to 1.6 years of extra brain aging
People under 60 who consume the most low or no-calorie sweeteners face the steepest drop in verbal fluency and overall cognition, making midlife a key time to cut them out
Adults with diabetes are at even higher risk, with sharper declines in memory and global thinking skills when relying on artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes
The harmful effects were consistent across years of testing, showing that continued use steadily chips away at brain function
You can protect your brain by eliminating artificial sweeteners, using natural options like fruit, honey, monk fruit, and dextrose, and focusing on foods that fuel steady energy

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

November 05, 2025

7 minutes

Artificial sweeteners are linked to faster memory loss and thinking decline, equal to 1.6 years of extra brain aging
People under 60 who consume the most low or no-calorie sweeteners face the steepest drop in verbal fluency and overall cognition, making midlife a key time to cut them out
Adults with diabetes are at even higher risk, with sharper declines in memory and global thinking skills when relying on artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes
The harmful effects were consistent across years of testing, showing that continued use steadily chips away at brain function
You can protect your brain by eliminating artificial sweeteners, using natural options like fruit, honey, monk fruit, and dextrose, and focusing on foods that fuel steady energy

...more