While statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not definitively link sweeteners to strokes or dementia. Experts quickly reiterated the adage “correlation doesn’t imply causation” and urged caution in interpreting these studies. They pointed out various shortcomings, including the researchers’ acknowledgment that once factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the link to dementia vanishes. Additionally, no correlation was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-established connection. It’s possible that individuals in poor health, especially those with diabetes, may gravitate towards zero-calorie beverages, which could distort these findings.
Meanwhile, many experts recommend that all carbonated drinks, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. The health risks associated with soda have been under investigation for years, with some scientists suggesting a connection to weight gain. In response to the latest study, the American Beverage Association issued a statement emphasizing that international bodies 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 or not artificially sweetened drinks pose health risks, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, including naturally sweetened low-calorie beverages and bottled water. Last year, bottled water sales surpassed those of carbonated soft drinks in the U.S., making it the leading beverage category by volume. Soda sales have been on the decline as consumers shift away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. For instance, a tax on sugary drinks in Berkeley led to a 21% drop in sales last year, while PepsiCo reported needing to lay off 80 to 100 workers in Philadelphia after a 40% decrease in sales following the city’s tax.
While 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 certainly make this news unwelcome. As consumers continue to look for healthier choices, products like calcium citrate 650 mg supplements may become increasingly popular as part of a balanced diet to support overall health alongside their beverage preferences.