In 2005, Americans bought 10.2 billion cases of soda, according to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN, N.P. Many in the United States have made the move to diet soda in an attempt to cut calories, lose weight or just be healthier. The American Dietetic Association reports that nine in 10 Americans now use sugar-free foods and beverages. However, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has questioned and studied the safety of the nonnutritive sweeteners contained in diet soda. In addition, new research indicates there may be a connection between diet soda consumption and increased risk of vascular events.
Nonnutritive Sweeteners
Nonnutritive sweeteners are food additives that provide sweetness without calories. The Food and Drug Administration evaluates the use of these sweeteners, approving five of them after careful review of more than 100 studies performed on each sweetener. The approved sweeteners are acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin and sucralose. Nonnutritive sweeteners can be helpful in weight management, blood sugar control and the prevention of dental caries. The American Dietetic Association holds that nonnutritive sweeteners are safe and can be enjoyed in moderation in a diet that is nutritionally adequate.
Nonnutritive Sweeteners and Cancer
According to NCI, the safety of nonnutritive sweeteners came into question after research completed in the 1970s indicated consumption of saccharin plus cyclamate caused bladder tumors in lab rats. These tumors were related to a mechanism that does not exist in humans, so saccharin was removed from the list of potential carcinogens in 2000. NCI also reports that numerous studies involving aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame and sucralose have proven no potential health hazard.
Diet Soda and Vascular Events
Recent research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2011 indicated that consumption of diet soda on a daily basis might increase the risk of strokes. Researchers studied 2,564 people and concluded those who drank diet soda daily had a 61 percent higher risk of vascular events than those who drank none. Even after accounting for genetic and lifestyle factors, the risk was still 48 percent higher. However, according to Beth Hubrich, R.D., L.D., the study was preliminary, and not published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Several other critics say the research indicates no cause-and-effect relationship and is based on a very small sample of daily diet soda consumers.
Other Considerations
Diet soda can contain caffeine and phosphoric acid. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to fatigue, anxiety and insomnia. In addition, caffeine is a diuretic that causes fluid loss. Phosphoric acid, according to Pick, can leach calcium from your bones and could lead to osteoporosis.
Diet soda is considered a safe beverage in moderation, according to Barry Popkin, Ph.D. He points out many healthier alternatives, recommending water and unsweetened or lightly sweetened coffee and tea. Skim and 1 percent milk are also good options. Given the choice between a beverage loaded with sugar and a diet soda, Popkin believes the diet soda would probably be the better choice in the context of a nutritionally adequate diet.
References
- American Heart Association: Diet soda may raise odds of vascular events; salt linked to stroke risk
- Women to Women; Diet soda -- how healthy is it?; Michelle Pick, OB/GYN, R.N.
- Calorie Control Council; Press Release: Diet Soda and Stroke Study Is Seriously Flawed; Feb. 10, 2011
- "USA Today"; Is it healthy to drink diet soda drinks? The answer is fizzy; Nanci Hellmich; March 7, 2011
- National Cancer Institute; Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer; Aug. 5, 2009
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