“Healthier” than their sugary counterparts, diet sodas have been marketed for years
It has gone so far that people around the world are now even
mixing diet sodas with protein powders in the name of a health boost
A new study, however, brings up an important question: Could regular consumption of artificial sweeteners change the way that our brain ages?
What the latest research shows
The most recent study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology, was performed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and tracked almost 13,000 adults over eight years
Those who consumed the most artificial sweeteners, roughly the equivalent of the amount of artificial sweeteners in one can of diet soda a day, experienced a 62 per cent faster decline in memory and thinking skills than those consuming the least
Researchers estimated this difference to be the equivalent of 1.6 extra years of brain ageing. Importantly, this was an observational study, meaning it found an association, not proof that diet sodas caused memory decline directly
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A neurologist’s perspective
“As a neurologist I believe we should be aware of these findings, not panic,” says Dr Amit Kumar Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
“Memory loss is rarely caused by just one food or drink. It develops over years of interaction of genetics, ageing, vascular health, sleep quality, physical activity and nutrition,” he adds
Possible impact on the brain
“Artificial sweeteners might indirectly affect the brainreward pathways, but these mechanisms are still being investigated,” states Dr Agarwal
As research raises fresh concerns, it also brings up a practical question for many:
how many diet soda cans are safe to drink in a day
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According to the doctor, the worry is larger than the diet soda, too
“Now artificial sweeteners are available in protein powders, sugar free desserts, chewing gums, flavoured yoghurts and many ultra-processed foods. Many of us eat them several times a day and don’t even know it,” says the expert
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Who should be more cautious
Brain health deserves particular attention for “people who already have an increased risk of cognitive decline – such as those with diabetes, obesity, hypertension or a history of stroke,” mentions Dr Agarwal
Healthier alternatives
The best long-term strategy is to swap sugary drinks for plain water, unsweetened buttermilk, coconut water or fresh homemade drinks, instead of using artificially sweetened drinks, advises the neurologist
The bigger picture on brain health
“This study doesn’t say that one can of diet soda is going to kill your memory,” says Dr Agarwal
Instead it’s a reminder that the brain is the sum of our everyday choices over decades, not days
“There is no shortcut, or ‘diet’ substitute, for a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep and good control of blood pressure and blood sugar when it comes to preserving memory,” he emphasises
“Our brain is incredibly resilient but also remembers how we treat it,” concludes Dr Agarwal
