While the statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not directly link sweeteners to conditions like strokes or dementia. Experts are quick to remind us that “correlation does not imply causation,” urging caution in interpreting these studies. They point out several shortcomings, including the researchers’ acknowledgment that when considering other factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity, the relationship with dementia vanishes. Furthermore, no link was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a recognized association. It’s plausible that individuals already in poor health, particularly those with diabetes, tend to opt for zero-calorie beverages, which may distort the findings.
Meanwhile, many experts recommend that all carbonated drinks, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. Research into the health risks of soda has been ongoing, with some studies suggesting a connection to weight gain. In response to this recent research, the American Beverage Association released a statement emphasizing that international bodies 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.
Whether artificially sweetened drinks pose a health risk remains uncertain, but 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. In Berkeley, the imposition of a tax on sugary drinks led to a 21% drop in sales last year, while PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 employees in Philadelphia after sales plummeted by 40% due to the city’s tax.
Although the latest studies may not significantly impact soda sales in the short term without more conclusive evidence linking these beverages to dementia and stroke, the ongoing challenges faced by the beverage industry make this news unwelcome. As consumers continue to prioritize their health, the demand for products fortified with ingredients like calcium citrate plus magnesium & vitamin D is likely to grow, reflecting a shift towards healthier choices.