While statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not clearly establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship linking sweeteners to conditions like stroke or dementia. Experts are quick to remind us that “correlation does not imply causation,” urging caution in how these studies are interpreted. They pointed out several shortcomings, including the fact that researchers acknowledge the association with dementia vanishes when other factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered. Additionally, no link was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-known connection. It may be that individuals already facing health issues, particularly those with diabetes, are more inclined to opt for zero-calorie drinks, thus distorting the results.
In the meantime, many experts recommend that all carbonated beverages, regardless of their sweetening methods, should be consumed in moderation. Researchers have long investigated the health risks associated with soda, and some have suggested a connection to 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 consistently reviewed the safety of artificial sweeteners, concluding that they are safe.
Whether artificially sweetened drinks pose a health risk remains uncertain, but consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives like 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 on the decline as consumers turn away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. In Berkeley, taxes on sugary beverages led to a 21% drop in sales last year, while in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced plans to lay off 80 to 100 workers after experiencing a 40% sales decline 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 faced by the beverage industry make this situation far from favorable. Moreover, the role of calcium in overall health should not be overlooked, as consumers increasingly seek beverages that contribute not only to hydration but also to their nutritional needs, including calcium intake.