Children today may be facing earlier puberty than ever before, and artificial sweeteners could be playing a hidden role. A groundbreaking study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, reveals that additives like aspartame, sucralose, and glycyrrhizin—commonly found in diet drinks, snacks, and even toothpaste—may disrupt hormonal signals and gut bacteria, especially in children with specific genetic traits. The research, which tracked over 1,400 Taiwanese children, highlights growing concerns about the potential long-term developmental and health consequences of everyday dietary choices.
How artificial sweeteners and genetics may accelerate puberty in children
The findings come from the Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study, where scientists monitored 1,407 children, analysing their sweetener intake via detailed food logs and urine samples. Out of these, 481 children showed signs of early puberty. Researchers also mapped each child’s genetic profile, revealing that those consuming higher levels of non-nutritive sweeteners were more likely to enter puberty early—especially if they had certain gene variants that made them more susceptible.Artificial sweeteners are not biologically inert. Previous research by the same team had already shown that acesulfame potassium (AceK) can trigger the release of puberty-related hormones and elevate stress-related brain chemicals. Glycyrrhizin, a compound found naturally in liquorice, was also shown to alter both gut bacteria and gene expression associated with the timing of puberty. These changes may interfere with the body’s endocrine signaling, resulting in earlier maturation.
Boys vs Girls: How sweeteners impact puberty differently by gender
One of the most striking aspects of the study was the difference in how boys and girls reacted to these additives:
- Boys were more sensitive to sucralose, a sugar substitute used in many diet beverages.
- Girls showed a broader vulnerability, being affected by a wider range of sweeteners, including glycyrrhizin and added sugars.
These gender-specific reactions suggest that biological sex may influence how dietary chemicals interact with hormonal development.
Why early puberty is a concern
Early puberty is not just a benign physical change—it carries multiple long-term risks:
- Emotional stress: Children undergoing puberty too soon may face mood swings, anxiety, and even depression, often before they are emotionally mature enough to cope.
- Stunted growth: While early puberty might start with a growth spurt, it can also mean growth plates close early, resulting in shorter adult height.
- Chronic health risks: Research links early puberty with an increased likelihood of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and reproductive health issues later in life.
Hidden sweeteners in everyday products: What parents need to know
Sweeteners aren’t just in soft drinks or desserts. Many children’s food and personal care items—including flavored milk, diet snacks, chewing gum, and even some toothpastes—contain these additives. This widespread presence means children may consume sweeteners daily, often without parents being aware.The study’s findings could have important consequences for both public health guidelines and parental awareness:
- Watch the labels: Parents should read ingredients carefully and limit children’s intake of artificially sweetened products.
- Consult pediatricians: Discuss dietary habits with your child’s doctor, especially if there are concerns about development.
- Advocate for change: As more evidence emerges, dietary recommendations may shift to address these early risks.
- Don’t Be Fooled by ‘Sugar-Free’: Just because a product is marketed as healthier or low-calorie doesn’t mean it’s harmless—sometimes, these versions contain chemicals that pose other dangers.
Also Read | Why your blood sugar remains high even after quitting sugar; here’s what you can do
