A new study found that artificial sweeteners have been linked to cognitive decline over time. Findings concluded that six artificial sweeteners were linked to cognitive decline: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame k, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Out of the approximately 13,000 participants, the highest intake group averaged 191 milligrams of artificial sweeteners per day, approximately the equivalent of one can of diet soda. This group saw an average 62 percent greater decline than the lowest intake group, which only consumed an average of 20 milligrams per day. Because it is observational rather than experimental, the study does not assume causation between artificial sweetener intake and poor cognitive performance.