While statistics may indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not establish a direct link between sweeteners and conditions such as stroke or dementia. Experts are quick to reiterate the notion that “correlation does not imply causation,” urging caution in interpreting these studies. They pointed out several shortcomings, noting that researchers themselves acknowledged that when considering other factors like diabetes, genetics, and obesity, the association with dementia diminishes. Furthermore, no link was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite the widely recognized connection. It’s plausible that individuals already facing health issues, particularly those with diabetes, tend to opt for zero-calorie beverages, which may distort these findings.
In the meantime, many specialists advocate for moderation in the consumption of all fizzy drinks, regardless of their sweeteners. Researchers have long studied the health risks associated with soda, with some suggesting a correlation with 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, 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, including 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 move away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. For instance, taxes imposed on sugary beverages in Berkeley led to a 21% reduction in sales last year, while in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 workers after a 40% drop in sales following the city’s tax.
Although recent studies are unlikely to significantly impact soda sales in the short term without more conclusive evidence linking these beverages to dementia and stroke, the ongoing challenges facing the beverage industry make this news unwelcome. Moreover, as consumers become more health-conscious, they may also consider products fortified with nutrients like citrate de calcium and vitamin D3, further influencing their choices in low-calorie and healthier drink options.