Study uncovers the hidden health risks diet soda brands won’t tell you, especially if you drink it daily

For those looking to cut down on their sugar intake a switch from regular to diet drinks can make a significant difference. Sodas, in particular, can be astonishingly high in added sugar and the ‘diet’ alternatives can come very close to the regular’s taste.

In the United States a single can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar, nearly 80% of the daily average of 50 grams that is recommended as a limit by the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s no wonder many are trying to cut down.

However it’s not as simple as switching to the diet alternative. Cutting out sugary drinks can address some issues but don’t be fooled; diet sodas can bring their own health issues.

What health problems are associated with diet sodas?

While diet drinks are often a healthier alternative, they are a long way from healthy. The lower levels of sugar are good for people with specific concerns about their sugar intake but there’s still a lot in diet sodas that can do you harm in the long term.

Although a diet soda will have vastly reduced levels of sugar, they are still very acidic and can contribute to dental erosion. A study comparing those who drink diet soda and those who mainly drink water found that the diet soda group had higher rates of dental erosion.

Diet sodas can also increase diabetes risk in regular drinkers, a particular concern given that people who are worried about diabetes often choose diet sodas. One study found a 70% increase in diabetes risk among those who drank at least one diet soda per week, compared to those who don’t drink any. It’s thought that the artificial sweeteners used in place of sugar may raise insulin resistance, making it more difficult to manage diabetes.

There is also some evidence to suggest that drinking diet sodas may increase the risk of developing kidney disease. It’s thought that the phosphorus content of all sodas - diet and regular - can impair kidney function. It’s used to add flavour to sodas and those with a history of kidney disease should be very cautious about the amount of phosphorus that they consume.

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