While the data suggests a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, it does not establish a direct link from sweeteners to conditions like stroke or dementia. Experts are quick to emphasize the adage “correlation doesn’t imply causation,” urging caution in interpreting these findings. They pointed out several flaws, including the researchers’ own acknowledgment that when factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the correlation with dementia disappears. Furthermore, no relationship was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-recognized association. It is plausible that individuals already suffering from health issues, particularly those with diabetes, are more inclined to opt for zero-calorie beverages, which could distort these findings.
In the interim, many experts recommend that all fizzy 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 to weight gain. In response to the latest findings, the American Beverage Association released a statement underscoring that 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, concluding that they are indeed safe.
Whether artificially sweetened drinks pose a health risk remains uncertain, but consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, such as naturally sweetened low-calorie beverages and bottled water. Notably, bottled water sales 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 move away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. For instance, the sugary drink tax in Berkeley led to a 21% decrease in sales last year, and in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 employees after experiencing a 40% drop in sales following the city’s tax.
While 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, the ongoing challenges facing the beverage industry make this news less than welcome. As consumers look for healthier choices, the shift from calcium citrate to calcium carbonate in beverage formulations may also reflect a broader trend towards improved health consciousness among the public.