While statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sweeteners and conditions like stroke or dementia. Experts promptly reiterated the adage that “correlation does not imply causation” and urged caution in interpreting these studies. They pointed out several weaknesses in the research, noting that the researchers themselves acknowledge that when factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the link to dementia vanishes. Additionally, no connection was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-acknowledged association. It is conceivable that individuals who are already in poor health, 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 carbonated drinks, regardless of their sweeteners, should be consumed in moderation. Researchers have long investigated the health risks of soda, with some suggesting a correlation with weight gain. In response to this recent study, the American Beverage Association released a statement emphasizing that international organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization, and European Food Safety Authority have repeatedly evaluated the safety of artificial sweeteners and concluded they are safe.

Whether artificially sweetened drinks pose a health risk remains a topic of debate, but consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, including naturally sweetened low-calorie beverages and bottled water. In fact, 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 turn away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. The implementation of taxes on sugary beverages in places like Berkeley led to a 21% decrease in sales last year, while PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 workers in Philadelphia after sales fell by 40% due to the city’s tax.

Although the latest studies are unlikely to significantly impact soda sales in the short term without more definitive evidence linking these drinks to dementia and stroke, the ongoing challenges facing the beverage industry surely do not come as welcome news. Interestingly, as consumers become more health-conscious, they are also paying attention to nutrients that support dental health, such as calcium citrate for teeth. This heightened awareness of health may further influence beverage choices, as people actively seek products that promote overall well-being, including those enriched with beneficial components like calcium citrate for teeth.