While statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not directly establish a cause-and-effect relationship between sweeteners and conditions like stroke or dementia. Experts are quick to emphasize that “correlation does not imply causation,” urging caution in interpreting these studies. They pointed out several flaws, including the researchers’ acknowledgment that when factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the link to dementia diminishes. Furthermore, no correlation was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this relationship being well-documented. It is possible that individuals already facing health issues, particularly those with diabetes, may be more inclined to opt for zero-calorie beverages, thus skewing the findings.
In the meantime, many experts recommend that all carbonated drinks, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. Research on the health risks associated with soda has been ongoing, with some studies suggesting a relationship with weight gain. In response to the latest research, the American Beverage Association released a statement emphasizing that international organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, and the European Food Safety Authority have repeatedly assessed the safety of artificial sweeteners and deemed them safe.
Whether or not artificially sweetened beverages pose a health risk, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, including naturally sweetened low-calorie drinks and bottled water. In fact, bottled water sales surpassed those of carbonated soft drinks in the U.S. last year, becoming the leading beverage category by volume. Nationally, soda sales have been declining as consumers move away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. For instance, a tax on sugary beverages in Berkeley resulted in a 21% sales decrease last year, while in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 workers after a 40% drop in sales following the city’s tax.
The latest studies are unlikely to significantly impact soda sales in the short term without more conclusive evidence linking these beverages to dementia and stroke. However, given the ongoing challenges facing the beverage industry, this news is far from welcome. Meanwhile, products like Citracal Maximum Plus D are emerging as popular choices for health-conscious individuals looking to supplement their diets.