Diet soda linked to increased risk of stroke and dementia: Study
A study has raised health concerns about the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages, linking them to a significantly higher risk of both ischemic stroke and dementia. The research, ‘Sugar- and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and the Risks of Incident Stroke and Dementia’ published in the journal Stroke, examined over 2,800 adults and tracked their health over a decade.Conducted as part of the Framingham Heart Study, the research involved 2,888 participants aged 45 and older for stroke analysis and 1,484 participants aged over 60 for dementia risk.Participants’ consumption of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages was recorded using food-frequency questionnaires between 1991 and 2001. They were then monitored for incident stroke and dementia for the next ten years.The findings showed that individuals who consumed at least one artificially sweetened soft drink daily had a 2.96 times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 2.89 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, compared to those who did not consume such beverages.In contrast, no significant association was found between sugar-sweetened beverages and either condition.The study’s authors clarified that while a strong link was observed, the results demonstrate an association rather than direct causation. Multiple factors such as age, sex, education, smoking, caloric intake, and physical activity were adjusted in the analysis.As artificially sweetened drinks continue to be marketed as a healthier alternative to sugary beverages, health experts urge consumers to exercise caution and moderation.
A study has raised health concerns about the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages, linking them to a significantly higher risk of both ischemic stroke and dementia.
The research, ‘Sugar- and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and the Risks of Incident Stroke and Dementia’ published in the journal Stroke, examined over 2,800 adults and tracked their health over a decade.
Conducted as part of the Framingham Heart Study, the research involved 2,888 participants aged 45 and older for stroke analysis and 1,484 participants aged over 60 for dementia risk.
Participants’ consumption of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages was recorded using food-frequency questionnaires between 1991 and 2001. They were then monitored for incident stroke and dementia for the next ten years.
The findings showed that individuals who consumed at least one artificially sweetened soft drink daily had a 2.96 times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 2.89 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, compared to those who did not consume such beverages.
In contrast, no significant association was found between sugar-sweetened beverages and either condition.
The study’s authors clarified that while a strong link was observed, the results demonstrate an association rather than direct causation. Multiple factors such as age, sex, education, smoking, caloric intake, and physical activity were adjusted in the analysis.
As artificially sweetened drinks continue to be marketed as a healthier alternative to sugary beverages, health experts urge consumers to exercise caution and moderation.
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