Common Sweeteners Linked to Early Puberty Risk in Children: Study Finds

Early puberty, especially central precocious puberty, has become increasingly common in recent years. It can cause emotional and psychological distress, result in shorter adult height, and increase the risk of metabolic and reproductive disorders later in life.

The study drew on data from the Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study (TPLS), which began in 2018 and included 1,407 adolescents. Central precocious puberty was diagnosed in 481 participants. Researchers assessed dietary intake using validated questionnaires and urine tests to measure sweetener exposure. Genetic susceptibility was evaluated using polygenic risk scores derived from 19 genes associated with early puberty. Medical exams, hormone tests, and imaging scans confirmed diagnoses.

The results showed that sucralose was linked to a higher risk of early puberty in boys, while glycyrrhizin, sucralose, and added sugars were associated with increased risk in girls. “This suggests that what children eat and drink, especially products with sweeteners, may have a surprising and powerful impact on their development,” said Yang-Ching Chen, M.D., Ph.D., of Taipei Municipal Wan Fang Hospital and Taipei Medical University.

“The findings are directly relevant to families, pediatricians and public health authorities,” Chen said. “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.”

Reference: https://www.endocrine.org/meetings-and-events/endo-2025