Neuroergonomics of Nutrition: Comparing Natural and Synthetic Sugars on Brainwave Activity and Cognitive Performance through EEG

Abstract: An important area of study within neuroergonomics, nutrition plays a fundamental role in supporting brain function, cognition, and performance. For example, the brain is heavily reliant on natural sugars such as glucose and sucrose, which serve as its primary sources of energy. Glucose, in particular, supports brain activity by fueling the electrical impulses that enable communication between neurons, facilitating cognitive processes, and serving as a key component in the creation of neurotransmitters. Past research shows that the intake of glucose improves attention, memory, and problem-solving. However, synthetic sugars, including aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, can provide the same degree of sweetness without the significant added caloric value. Although synthetic sugars are often considered substitutes for the purpose of reducing calorie intake and for being a healthier alternative with less impact on weight and blood glucose levels, their influence on cognition and brain activity is not as widely understood. This study aims to dive deeper and investigate the effects of natural vs. synthetic sugars on brainwave activity and mental efficiency using electroencephalography (EEG). The research will involve college-aged participants who will be randomly assigned to consume a beverage containing either natural sugar or a synthetic sweetener. The control group in the research will be water, which should yield negligible variation. The natural sugar group will receive drinks such as fruit juice (orange juice) and milk, both of which provide natural sugars like glucose, fructose, or lactose. The synthetic sugar group will receive beverages with artificial substitutes, such as diet sports drinks (Gatorade Zero) and diet soda. After drinking the beverages, each participant will complete simple tasks that involve cognitive focus and effort, such as Stroop tests and a less demanding memory recall exercise, while their neural activity is recorded with the EEG. Particular attention will be given to the alpha, beta, and theta frequency bands, which are closely associated with relaxation, alertness, and working memory. By comparing brainwave patterns and behavioral performance across groups, this study aims to evaluate whether natural sugars provide measurable cognitive benefits that synthetic sweeteners cannot replicate. The hypothesis is that participants who consume natural sugars will showcase improved task performance and elevated beta activity, which reflects greater alertness and cognitive function. In comparison, the participants who consume synthetic sugar are expected to show no measurable change or minimal effects on brainwave activity, as these beverages do not provide the energy for the brain to work efficiently but rather influence taste receptors, signaling only the sensation of sweetness. These expected results align with existing knowledge that glucose supports attention and memory by directly fueling neural processes, while synthetic sugars do not supply the energy required to sustain cognitive function. The significance of this study lies in its ability to extend the conversation about nutrition and cognition beyond physical health results. While artificial sweeteners are often evaluated in terms of metabolic health and blood sugar regulation, their impacts on brain activity and cognitive function are less explored in comparison. Therefore, understanding whether synthetic sugars can match or substitute natural sugars with regard to cognitive effects can provide new answers for proper dietary recommendations among students, athletes, and other professionals who rely on regular mental efficiency and cognitive function throughout the day. From a neuroergonomics perspective, the research prioritizes the intersection between human physiology and diet, along with their impact on performance in everyday scenarios. If natural sugars prove to have greater cognitive benefits in contrast to their synthetic sugar counterparts, individuals can make more conscious dietary choices for optimal mental functioning. Conversely, if artificial sweeteners prove to have comparable effects, they may offer a healthier substitute without sacrificing cognitive performance. In either case, the study aims to provide valuable insight into how nutrition influences brain activity.

Keywords: Neuroergonomics, nutrition, synthetic sugars, natural sugars, EEG, brainwaves, neuroscience

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006974

Cite this paper:

​