Sweeteners and Early Puberty

Water. Just drink water! I cringe when I see kids and teenagers swilling sports drinks and sodas. Now, new research suggests that certain sweeteners found in food and beverages may increase the risk of early puberty, particularly in those who are genetically predisposed. The study was presented at the ENDO 2025 in San Francisco at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.

Consuming certain sweeteners commonly found in foods and beverages may increase the risk of early puberty in children, particularly among those who are genetically predisposed, according to a study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

According to the study, the consumption of aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, and refined sugars was significantly associated with a greater risk of early puberty, especially in kids with certain genetic traits. As the teens consumed more sweeteners, their risk of central precocious puberty increased.

"This study is one of the first to connect modern dietary habits -- specifically sweetener intake -- with both genetic factors and early puberty development in a large, real-world cohort," said Yang-Ching Chen, M.D., Ph.D., of Taipei Municipal Wan Fang Hospital and Taipei Medical University in Taipei, Taiwan. "It also highlights gender differences in how sweeteners affect boys and girls, adding an important layer to our understanding of individualized health risks."

Central precocious puberty is becoming more common. It’s a type of early puberty that can lead to emotional distress, shorter adult stature, and increased risk of metabolic and reproductive disorders in the future.

Previous research by Chen has indicated that certain sweeteners directly impact hormones and gut bacteria, which are linked to early puberty. Acesulfame potassium (AKA AceK) was found to influence the release of puberty-related hormones by triggering “sweet taste” pathways in the brain and elevating stress-related molecules. A sweetener called glycyrrhizin, found in licorice alters gut bacteria balance and decreases the activity of genes connected with triggering puberty.

Chen notes, "This suggests that what children eat and drink, especially products with sweeteners, may have a surprising and powerful impact on their development”.

The new research is from the Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study (TPLS), which started in 2018  Data from 1,407 teenagers were included. Over 480 teens were diagnosed with central precocious puberty. The teen’s sweetener intake was evaluated through questionnaires and urine samples. Polygenic risk scores derived from 19 genes for central precocious puberty helped quantify genetic predisposition. Hormone levels, scans, and medical exams were used to diagnose early puberty.

Intake of sucralose (commercially known as Splenda) was associated with a higher risk of central precocious puberty in boys, and intake of glycyrrhizin, sucralose, and added sugars was linked with a higher risk of central precocious puberty in girls.

Chen states, "The findings are directly relevant to families, pediatricians, and public health authorities. They suggest that screening for genetic risk and moderating sweetener intake could help prevent early puberty and its long-term health consequences. This could lead to new dietary guidelines or risk assessment tools for children, supporting healthier development."

Clinicians can help their clients with the following:

·         Be a role model. Drink healthy beverages in the company of young individuals.

·         Educate parents about the risks of added sugar as well as artificial sweeteners.

·         Discourage the use of sports drinks in very young children and inactive teens.

·         Encourage water or milk over juice, sweetened tea, soda, and other sugary drinks.

·         Keep sugary beverages and treats to a minimum in your home.

·         Encourage the use of a refillable water bottle for hydration.

·         Don’t reward children or teens with food- especially sweetened beverages and desserts.

·         Encourage regular physical activity for overall health.

·         Discuss healthy food choices for kids and teens, but avoid fat shaming and talk about body weight.

·         Talk to coaches and teachers about the risk of early puberty in at-risk children.

Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD

Resource:

The Endocrine Society. "Sweet but risky: Common sweeteners may be accelerating puberty in kids." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 July 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714052231.htm>.