They study the effects of sweeteners on children

NEW YORK (HealthDay News)—Consumption of sugar and artificial sweeteners may be linked to an increased risk of precocious puberty in boys and girls, especially among those with a genetic predisposition, according to a study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting.

“Sugar, aspartame (Equal), sucralose (Splenda), and glycyrrhizin (licorice root) are significantly associated with an increased risk of precocious puberty,” noted researchers from Wan Fang Municipal Hospital and Taipei Medical University.

In total, data from more than 1,400 Taiwanese adolescents were analyzed, of whom 481 presented central precocious puberty.

“This study is one of the first to link modern dietary habits, specifically sweetener intake, with both genetic factors and early pubertal development,” explained Dr. Yang-Ching Chen, who led the research.

In previous studies, Chen had already shown that certain sweeteners, such as acesulfame potassium and glycyrrhizin, modify hormones or gut bacteria related to puberty. According to the new analysis, sucralose increased the risk of precocious puberty in boys, while a risk was seen in girls with glycyrrhizin, sucralose, and added sugars.

“This suggests that what children eat and drink, especially sweetened products, could have a surprising and powerful impact on their development,” Chen said.

The researchers emphasized the need to consider genetic and gender factors. "The findings are directly relevant to families, pediatricians, and public health authorities," they added.

"They suggest that screening for genetic risk and limiting sweetener intake could help prevent precocious puberty and its long-term health consequences."