While the statistics indicate a potential connection between diet soda and health risks, they do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sweeteners and conditions such as stroke or dementia. Experts are quick to reiterate the adage that “correlation does not imply causation” and urge caution in interpreting these studies. They point out several shortcomings, including the researchers’ own acknowledgment that once factors like diabetes, genetics, and obesity are considered, the link to dementia fades away. Moreover, no relationship was found between sugary drink consumption and stroke risk, despite this being a well-documented association. It’s possible that individuals who are already in poor health, particularly those with diabetes, tend to opt for zero-calorie drinks, which might distort these findings.
In the meantime, many experts recommend that all carbonated beverages, regardless of their sweetening method, should be consumed in moderation. Researchers have long been exploring the health risks associated with soda, with some suggesting a connection to weight gain. In response to the latest 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 repeatedly assessed the safety of artificial sweeteners and concluded that they are safe.
Regardless of whether artificially sweetened drinks pose health risks, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives, including naturally sweetened low-calorie options 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 choices. For example, taxes imposed on sugary drinks in Berkeley led to a 21% drop in sales last year, while in Philadelphia, PepsiCo announced it would need to lay off 80 to 100 workers after sales plummeted by 40% following the city’s tax.
Although the latest 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 certainly aren’t welcome news. As consumers continue to prioritize their health, products like country life calcium citrate are becoming more appealing, and this trend is likely to persist as more individuals seek healthier options.