Early puberty is not a harmless phenomenon, since it can impact physical and mental health. The persons concerned have a risk of suffering from emotional distress, but also of future metabolic and reproductive disorders. It is therefore important to understand its mechanisms, which can limit risks. And, precisely, a study presented at the annual meeting of the endocrinology society, which took place between July 12 and 15, 2025 in San Francisco (United States), highlights a promoting factor.
These food additives would increase the risk of early puberty
Previous research by Dr Yang-Christ Chen, the medical university of Taipei and Wan Fang Hospital (Tawian), highlighted that the consumption of certain sweeteners can directly influence hormones and intestinal bacteria linked to early puberty. In order to study this phenomenon, it conducted a new study based on data from the Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study (TPLS), launched in 2018.
This brings together data from 1407 adolescents, including 481 which were diagnosed with early puberty by medical examinations, including hormone measures. Through questionnaires and urinary tests, their swelling in sweeteners has been measured. In addition, their genetic predisposition to early puberty was assessed.
It has emerged that the consumption of some of these additives, such as aspartames, success, glycyrrhizine and added sugars were associated with a higher risk of early puberty, especially in children with favorable genetic factors. The more important the consumption of sweeteners, the greater the risk. “This suggests that what children eat and drink, in particular products containing sweeteners, can have a surprising and powerful impact on their development“said Yang-Christ Chen, in a press release.
Differences between girls and boys
“This study is one of the first to establish a link between modern eating habits, and more particularly the consumption of sweeteners, and genetic factors and the development of early puberty, in a large cohort of patients in real situations. It also highlights the differences between the sexes as to the effect of sweeteners on boys and girls, which enriches our understanding of individual health risks“comments Yang-Christ Chen.
Indeed, the study indicates that, in boys, the consumption of sucralose was linked to a stronger risk of early puberty. In girls, the same phenomenon has been observed with success, glycyrrhizine and added sugars. For Yang-Christ Chen, “che results are directly relevant to families, pediatricians and public health authorities. They suggest that screening for genetic risk and moderation of sweeteners’ consumption may help prevent early puberty and its long -term health consequences. This could lead to new food recommendations or new risk assessment tools for children, thus promoting healthier development. “
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