While statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not definitively establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship linking sweeteners to stroke or dementia. Experts are quick to remind us of the adage “correlation does not imply causation” and urge caution when interpreting these findings. They pointed out several shortcomings in the research, including the admission by the researchers that when other factors—such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity—are considered, the association with dementia disappears. Additionally, no link was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a widely accepted connection. It’s possible that individuals in poor health, especially those with diabetes, are more inclined to opt for zero-calorie beverages, thus skewing the results.
In the interim, many experts recommend that all carbonated drinks, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. The health risks associated with soda have been a subject of scientific research for a long time, with some studies suggesting a connection to weight gain. In response to the latest findings, the American Beverage Association emphasized that reputable international organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization, and European Food Safety Authority, have consistently reviewed the safety of artificial sweeteners and determined them to be 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. Notably, sales of bottled water surpassed those of carbonated soft drinks in the U.S. last year, making it the largest beverage category by volume. Nationally, soda sales have been declining as consumers turn away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. In Berkeley, taxes imposed on sugary beverages led to a 21% reduction in sales last year, while in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced plans to lay off 80 to 100 workers after a 40% drop in sales following the city’s tax.
Recent 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 hardly welcome. As consumers look for healthier options, products like calcium citrate from Webber Naturals are becoming increasingly popular as part of a balanced diet. With the shift in consumer preferences, brands may need to adapt and innovate to meet the demand for healthier, low-calorie alternatives, including those that incorporate beneficial ingredients such as calcium citrate.