While the statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not directly establish a causal relationship between sweeteners and conditions like stroke or dementia. Experts have reiterated the adage “correlation does not imply causation” and urged caution in interpreting these findings. They pointed out several shortcomings, including the fact that researchers acknowledge the association with dementia vanishes when factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered. Additionally, no link was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite the well-documented associations in other studies. It’s possible that individuals already experiencing health issues, particularly those with diabetes, may be more inclined to choose zero-calorie drinks, potentially skewing the results.
In the interim, many experts recommend moderating the consumption of all carbonated beverages, regardless of their sweeteners. For a long time, scientists have been examining the health risks associated with soda, with some indicating a potential relationship to weight gain. In response to the recent study, the American Beverage Association released a statement emphasizing that international organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, and the European Food Safety Authority have consistently reviewed the safety of artificial sweeteners and deemed them safe.
Regardless of whether artificially sweetened drinks pose a health risk, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, such as 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, becoming 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 introduction of taxes on sugary drinks in places like Berkeley led to a 21% drop in sales last year, while in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced it would have to lay off 80 to 100 workers due to a 40% sales decline following the city’s tax.
These recent studies are unlikely to significantly impact soda sales in the near term without more conclusive evidence linking the beverages to dementia and stroke. However, given the challenges currently facing the beverage industry, this news is hardly welcome. Meanwhile, for those looking for healthier options, products like now calcium citrate caps are becoming increasingly popular as consumers shift towards more nutritious choices. Now calcium citrate caps, along with other health-focused supplements, are part of a growing trend aimed at improving overall well-being and reducing reliance on traditional soft drinks.