Diet sodas are widely consumed as a replacement for higher-calorie sugar-laden drinks that can lead to obesity. According to the Mayo Clinic, diet sodas should be reserved as a treat. Diet drinks contain fewer calories that might aid weight loss, but the long-term effects of phosphates in the drinks and the effect of artificial sweeteners and caffeine are still unknown.
Weight Gain
Laboratory evidence suggests diet sodas might lead to weight gain from disruption of metabolic signaling, found in studies conducted at Purdue University's Ingestive Behavior Research Center. Research published by the American Psychological Association February 2008 revealed that rats given artificial sweeteners gained weight and adiposity. The study authors speculate that diet sweeteners might interfere with energy regulation.
Aging
Phosphorous in soda has been linked to accelerated aging in mice, according to scientists from the Department of Medicine, Infection and Immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. The researchers conducted a study published April 2010 in the "FASEB Journal" that concluded phosphate consumption could upset homeostasis and lead to premature aging.
Kidney Function
The American Society of Nephrology found an association between diet soda and kidney dysfunction. Research results published Oct. 31, 2009, found that women who drank two or more diet sodas a day were twice as likely to develop kidney function decline that occurs over time. The researchers found higher levels of urinary protein that was linked to the artificially sweetened drinks even after adjusting for other risk factors.
Osteoporosis
Diet and regular sodas are linked to decreased bone-mineral density that can lead to osteoporosis, found in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, published in the October 2006 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Women studied were found to have decreased bone density in the hip area that was associated with cola consumption but not other soft drinks.
Dental Health
Dental health can suffer from drinking diet sodas. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, regular soft drink consumption erodes enamel and promotes tooth decay. Over time, tooth enamel becomes soft and affects the nerves, leading to pain, sensitivity of the teeth and the potential for infection.
References
- Duke Health: Diet Soda: Too Good to be True?
- American Psychological Association: A Role for Sweet Taste: Calorie Predictive Relations in Energy Regulation by Rats
- FASEB Journal: Dietary and Genetic Evidence for Phosphate Toxicity Accelerating Mammalian Aging
- American Society for Nephrology: Help Your Kidneys: Pass on Salt and Diet Soda
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study
- Academy of General Dentistry: Diet Soda Drinkers Beware
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