Investigating the role of natural sweeteners in AD nematode models

<p indent="0mm">As the global population ages, the incidence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is increasing in China. Extensive research has identified excessive sugar consumption as a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. With the introduction of zero-sugar and zero-calorie healthy lifestyles, natural sweeteners are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their high safety, low-calorie content, and simple metabolic pathways. However, it remains to be investigated whether natural sweeteners, as sugar alternatives in foods, can potentially mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This study employed the AD nematode model to investigate the impact of seven common natural sweeteners on Alzheimer’s disease. Results suggest that phlorizin, mogroside, rubusoside, stevioside, and erythritol can delay CL4176 paralysis and improve CL2355 learning defects. In contrast, D-allulose accelerated CL4176 paralysis and did not improve CL2355 learning defects, while xylitol showed no significant effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for the safe use of natural sweeteners.