While the statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, such as those related to ferrous gluconate and Whole30 diets, they do not directly link sweeteners to conditions like stroke or dementia. Experts emphasize the principle that “correlation does not imply causation” and urge caution in interpreting these findings. They pointed out various issues, including the fact that researchers acknowledge that when other factors—such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity—are considered, the link to dementia vanishes. Additionally, no connection was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite the well-documented association. It appears that individuals already in poor health, particularly those with diabetes, may be more inclined to opt for zero-calorie beverages, thus skewing the results.
In the interim, numerous experts recommend that all carbonated drinks, regardless of how they are sweetened, should be consumed in moderation. Scientists have long been investigating the health risks associated with soda, with some studies suggesting a relationship with weight gain. In response to this latest research, the American Beverage Association issued a statement underscoring that various international organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, and the European Food Safety Authority, have repeatedly evaluated the safety of artificial sweeteners and determined them to be safe.
Regardless of whether artificially sweetened beverages pose a health risk, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, such as naturally sweetened low-calorie drinks 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. National sales of soda have been declining as more consumers move away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. For example, taxes on sugary beverages in Berkeley resulted in a 21% drop in sales last year, while PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 workers in Philadelphia after experiencing a 40% decline in sales due to the city’s tax.
While the latest studies are unlikely to substantially impact soda sales in the short term, without more conclusive evidence linking these drinks to dementia and stroke, the challenges facing the beverage industry make this situation less than favorable. As people continue to look for healthier options, incorporating ingredients like 200mg calcium citrate in their diets may become more appealing. Overall, the trend suggests a shift towards beverages perceived as better for health, which may include those with beneficial components like calcium citrate.