After suspected cancer: Does sugar substitute also make you forgetful?

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The sugar-free, low-calorie sweetener aspartame, found in many diet foods and drinks, has been linked to possible memory and learning problems. Scientists from Florida State University (FSU) write this in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’.

In one study, researchers examined how male mice and their offspring responded to aspartame consumption. It turned out that the animals that consumed the sugar substitute had “deficits in spatial learning and memory,” according to an FSU news release. The deficiencies are therefore passed on to the next generation of mice. They were no longer found with the grandchildren.

The control group was faster

The researchers examined three groups of mice for sixteen weeks. One group consumed 15 percent of the maximum amount of aspartame recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) daily. A second group consumed 7 percent of the recommended maximum amount. A third control group received only water.

The mice were tested in mazes at regular intervals. Those who drank only water were able to find the exit much faster than those who consumed aspartame. The groups that consumed the sweetener eventually completed the task, but they took much longer or needed extra help.

WHO statement

Based on the study results, co-author Pradeep Bhide suggests that the FDA considers the effects of aspartame from a “more accurate, cross-generational perspective.” In June, a World Health Organization (WHO) committee published a statement classifying the sweetener as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” This is strongly denied by the sector. As the FSU notes in its communication, the WHO did not discuss the possible cognitive effects of aspartame.

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a Washington medical toxicologist who was not involved in the FSU study, commented on the results to Fox News: “The results of this study suggest that even low levels of aspartame consumption may contribute to memory and learning problems, it can be passed on from generation to generation.”

Further research needed

An important limitation of FSU’s study, according to Johnson-Arbor, is that the study was only conducted on mice. “The results may be inconclusive about the effects of aspartame on the human brain.” Further studies are needed to conclusively prove the link between aspartame and brain damage.

Industry experts defend aspartame and describe the sweetener as safe, citing, among other things, the numerous global health organizations that have classified it as safe after rigorous evaluations. Doctor Johnson-Arbor still recommends responsible use: “As further studies involving aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are underway, concerned people should limit their daily intake of artificial sweeteners until the true human health risks of these compounds are clarified.” (no)

Source: Blick