June 9, 2017

FEATURED ISSUE
Stroke or dementia from diet soda?
The effects of non-nutritive, artificial “diet” sweeteners on human health have been studied since the 1990s. Although there are insufficient data to make definitive conclusions regarding weight loss, calorie intake, or heart health risk factors, the safety of artificial sweeteners remains controversial. Some studies suggest a link to cancer, liver toxicity, headache, allergies, seizures, diarrhea, and low birth weight. A recent study is receiving much press with the finding that diet sodas increase the probability of consumers experiencing a stroke and developing dementia. Some note that these finding are only a correlation, and the cause for these conditions is still unknown. Others note that this new research strengthens the credibility of past studies showing the dangers of diet sodas.

ISSUE: The new research strengthens the credibility of diet sodas causing stroke or dementia.

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues. For those interested in this month’s issue, the following articles have been selected to offer you some Pro and Con positions to get you started on your research.

PRO

Is soda bad for your brain? (And is diet soda worse?) (4/20/17)
ScienceDaily

Diet sodas may be tied to stroke, dementia risk (4/20/17)
by Jacqueline Howard
CNN

Why Is Diet Soda So Bad For Your Brain (4/27/17)
by David DiSalvo
Forbes: Pharma and Healthcare

CON

Is Drinking Diet Soda a Health Risk? (5/5/17)
by Matt McMillen
WebMD

Should link between dementia and artificial sweeteners be taken with a pinch of salt? (4/21/17)
The Guardian

Bad News for Diet Soda Lovers (4/21/17)
by Shelley Emling
AARP

We encourage you to go to our blog at ahha.org/blog and post your comments. You are invited to share additional resources you have found relating to this issue.

To review past ISSUES, visit the Special Update eReport Archives.