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 such as stroke or dementia. Experts reiterate the adage “correlation does not imply causation” and urge caution in interpreting these studies. They pointed out several shortcomings, including the researchers’ acknowledgment that when factors like diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the link to dementia vanishes. Moreover, no correlation was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-known relationship. It is possible that individuals already experiencing health issues, particularly those with diabetes, are more inclined to choose zero-calorie drinks, potentially skewing the results.
In the meantime, many experts recommend that all carbonated beverages, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. Ongoing research into the health risks associated with soda has suggested a connection with weight gain. In response to the latest findings, the American Beverage Association released a statement emphasizing that international organizations, including 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, concluding that they are safe.
Regardless of whether artificially sweetened drinks pose health risks, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, such as naturally sweetened low-calorie drinks and bottled water. In fact, bottled water sales in the U.S. surpassed those of carbonated soft drinks last year, becoming the largest beverage category by volume. Nationally, soda sales have been declining as consumers move away from sugary beverages in favor of healthier options. For instance, a tax on sugary drinks in Berkeley resulted in a 21% drop in sales last year, while PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 employees in Philadelphia after a 40% sales decline following the city’s tax initiative.
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. However, given the ongoing challenges facing the beverage industry, this news is hardly welcomed. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, many are turning to supplements like calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 tablets to support their well-being, further indicating a shift in health priorities. The incorporation of calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 tablets into daily routines reflects a growing trend toward proactive health management, which may also explain the decline in soda consumption.