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What Is the “Sugar-Free Drink” in Question?
When studies refer to “sugar-free drinks,” they typically mean beverages sweetened with artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners, such as:
- Aspartame
- Sucralose
- Saccharin
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)
- Stevia (less commonly linked, but still studied)
These sweeteners are found in:
- Diet sodas
- “Zero sugar” soft drinks
- Sugar-free iced teas
- Low-calorie flavored waters
- Some energy drinks
The drink most consistently associated with increased stroke risk in studies is diet soda.
The Study That Sparked the Alarm
One of the most widely cited findings comes from large, long-term observational studies tracking tens of thousands of people over many years.
In one major study involving postmenopausal women:
- Those who drank two or more artificially sweetened beverages per day had:
- Nearly 3 times the risk of ischemic stroke
- Increased risk of heart disease and overall mortality
Other studies have found:
- Higher rates of stroke and dementia among frequent diet soda consumers
- Stronger associations in people with no prior cardiovascular disease
⚠️ Important note:
These studies show association, not causation. That means the drinks are linked to higher risk, but they may not be the direct cause.
Still, the consistency of findings across populations is concerning.
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