美国神经学会发表在《神经学》杂志上的研究发现，高摄入人工甜味剂与认知能力衰退速度加快存在关联[1]。这项针对近13000名巴西成年人的长期追踪研究历时约8年，覆盖平均年龄52岁的受试者[1]。研究显示，每天摄入甜味剂最多者（平均191毫克）的认知衰退速度比摄入最少者（平均20毫克）快62%，相当于额外衰老1.6年；中等摄入组的衰退速度则比最低摄入组快35%，相当于额外衰老1.3年[1]。
研究人员发现这种关联在60岁以下人群中表现更为显著，而60岁以上人群未观察到相同的关联模式[1]。阿斯巴甜、糖精、乙酰磺胺酸钾、赤藓糖醇、山梨糖醇和木糖醇这六种甜味剂都与认知能力衰退相关[1]。研究作者克劳迪亚·基美·苏埃莫托博士表示："无热量甜味剂常被视为糖的健康替代品，但我们的发现表明某些甜味剂可能对长期脑健康有负面影响"[1]。研究人员强调这是观察性研究，需要进一步的研究来证实因果关系[1]。
A study published in Neurology by the American Academy of Neurology found that high consumption of artificial sweeteners is associated with accelerated decline in memory and thinking abilities [1]. Researchers tracked nearly 13,000 Brazilian adults over approximately eight years, with an average age of 52 years at enrollment [1]. Those consuming the highest amounts of sweeteners—averaging 191 milligrams daily—experienced cognitive decline 62% faster than those with the lowest intake of approximately 20 milligrams per day, equivalent to an additional 1.6 years of brain aging [1]. Moderate consumers showed a 35% faster rate of decline, corresponding to 1.3 years of additional aging [1].
The association proved particularly pronounced among participants under 60 years old, while no similar relationship was observed in those 60 and older [1]. Six sweeteners showed correlation with cognitive decline: aspartame, saccharin, potassium acesulfame, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol [1]. Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto, one of the study authors, noted that "zero-calorie sweeteners are often viewed as a healthy alternative to sugar, but our findings suggest that certain sweeteners may have negative long-term effects on brain health" [1]. The researchers emphasized this is an observational study and that further research is needed to establish causation [1]. The work was supported by Brazil's Ministry of Health, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development [1].