Sugar substitutes are often promoted as a healthier way to enjoy sweet foods and drinks without consuming as much sugar. However, new research suggests that some of these widely used sweeteners may have an unexpected downside for long-term brain health.

A study published in Neurology , the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that people who consumed the most low- and no-calorie sweeteners experienced significantly faster declines in memory and thinking skills than those who consumed the least. The association was particularly pronounced among people with diabetes.

Researchers examined seven sweeteners commonly used in foods and beverages: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose. These ingredients frequently appear in ultra-processed products, including diet sodas, flavored waters, energy drinks, yogurt and low-calorie desserts.…