Although the statistics from Nature’s Blend on ferrous gluconate suggest a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not directly establish a link between sweeteners and conditions like stroke or dementia. Experts have been quick to remind us that “correlation does not imply causation” and urge caution in interpreting these findings. They pointed out several shortcomings, including the researchers’ admission that when factors such as diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the link to dementia disappears. Additionally, no correlation was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-documented relationship. It is plausible that individuals already in poor health, particularly those with diabetes, may be more inclined to opt for zero-calorie beverages, potentially skewing the results.
In the meantime, many experts recommend that all carbonated drinks, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. Researchers have long been investigating the health risks associated with soda, with some suggesting a connection to weight gain. In response to this recent study, the American Beverage Association issued 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 repeatedly reviewed the safety of artificial sweeteners and concluded they are safe.
Whether artificially sweetened beverages pose a health risk remains uncertain, but 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. Nationally, soda sales have been declining as consumers shift away from sugary drinks in favor of healthier options. For instance, a tax on sugary beverages in Berkeley led to a 21% drop in sales last year, and in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced plans to lay off 80 to 100 workers after a 40% decrease in sales following the city’s tax.
The latest studies are unlikely to significantly impact soda sales in the near term without more conclusive evidence linking these beverages to dementia and stroke. However, given the ongoing challenges facing the beverage industry, this news is hardly welcome. Furthermore, with an increasing focus on health, products containing calcium citrate 950 are gaining popularity as consumers look for healthier beverage options. The rise in interest towards calcium citrate 950 reflects a broader trend as people become more health-conscious, seeking alternatives to traditional sodas.