While the data indicates a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, it does not establish a direct link between sweeteners and conditions such as stroke or dementia. Experts are quick to reiterate the principle that “correlation does not imply causation,” urging caution in interpreting these findings. They pointed out several issues, including the acknowledgment by researchers that when factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the link to dementia diminishes. Additionally, no connection was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-documented association. It may be that individuals already experiencing health issues, particularly those with diabetes, are more inclined to select zero-calorie beverages, which could distort the results.
In the interim, many health professionals recommend that all carbonated drinks, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. Researchers have long examined the health risks associated with soda, with some suggesting a correlation to weight gain. In reaction to the latest findings, 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 consistently reviewed the safety of artificial sweeteners and deemed them safe.
Whether artificially sweetened drinks pose a health risk remains a topic of debate; however, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, including naturally sweetened low-calorie beverages and bottled water. 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. For instance, taxes imposed on sugary beverages in Berkeley resulted in a 21% drop in sales last year, while in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 employees after a 40% decrease in sales following the city’s tax.
Although the latest studies are unlikely to significantly impact soda sales in the short term without more conclusive evidence linking these drinks to dementia and stroke, the ongoing challenges facing the beverage industry are hardly encouraging. Amidst this, dietary supplements like calcium ascorbate and calcium citrate, along with vitamin D3, have gained attention as consumers look for healthier choices to complement their diets, potentially steering them away from traditional soda consumption.