Sweeteners May Alter Children’s Puberty. Scientists Raise Alarm

Sweet but Risky

Could a “zero-calorie” drink or sugar-free gum really influence when a child enters puberty? According to the latest research from Taiwan, the answer is yes. Even more, children with certain genetic predispositions seem especially vulnerable.

“This is one of the first large-scale studies linking modern dietary habits—including sweetener intake—to genetics and early puberty in a real population,” explains Dr. Yang-Ching Chen of Taipei Medical University, quoted in an Endocrine Society release. The findings were presented in July 2025 at the ENDO conference in San Francisco.

As part of the Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study, launched in 2018, researchers examined 1,407 adolescents. Of them, 481 were diagnosed with central precocious puberty—hormonal changes beginning before age eight in girls and age nine in boys. This condition not only shortens childhood but also increases the risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and gynecological problems later in life.

The analysis showed that aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin (a natural licorice sweetener), and added sugars significantly raised the risk of early puberty. The more sweeteners in the diet, the earlier the onset.

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Boys and Girls React Differently

One striking finding was the difference between sexes. In boys, sucralose—the sweetener found in many “light” or “zero” drinks—was linked to earlier puberty. In girls, a combination of sucralose, glycyrrhizin, and added sugars drove the risk.

Why such an effect? Previous studies from the same team offer clues. They showed that some sweeteners directly influence the endocrine system and gut microbiota. For instance, acesulfame K activates brain “sweet taste” pathways and increases hormone release linked to puberty. Glycyrrhizin alters gut bacteria and lowers the activity of genes that trigger maturation.

Artificial Sweeteners Harmful for Children?

Although this was an observational study—so it cannot fully prove causation—the findings are “significant for families, pediatricians, and public health institutions,” stresses Dr. Chen.

“The results suggest that monitoring genetic risk and limiting sweetener intake may help prevent precocious puberty and its long-term consequences,” he adds. Future implications may include new dietary guidelines and risk assessment tools for children.

For years, artificial sweeteners have been marketed as a healthier choice than sugar. Yet mounting evidence points to hidden dangers. Early puberty is not just about faster biological changes—it also brings emotional strain for children and raises the risk of serious health issues in adulthood. So before handing your child another “sugar-free” drink, it might be worth thinking twice.

Read the original article: Słodziki zmieniają dojrzewanie dzieci. Naukowcy ostrzegają