Diet soda consumption may be linked to increased heart attacks and strokes

Taking low-dose aspirin and NSAIDs can be a challenge (Part 2)
March 26, 2011
Isoflavones reduce postmenopausal insomnia, hot flashes
March 30, 2011
Show all

Diet soda consumption may be linked to increased heart attacks and strokes

I often have patients ask if I think diet sodas are a healthy substitute for regular soft drinks. I tell them, “NO!” The primary reason, that I’ve discussed with you in a past blog, is that diet soda consumption may weaken bones and lead to later osteopenia, osteoporosis, and/or bone fractures.
Now, I have another reason to add: Research presented at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference earlier this year suggest that diet soda consumption may be linked to increased heart risks.
The study followed more than 2,500 New Yorkers for more than nine years.
The Los Angeles Times “Booster Shots” blog reported that participants “were asked about their intake of sodas (among other questions) at the start of the study. After nine years, 559 cardiovascular events had occurred.”
Researchers found that “those who had reported drinking diet soda every day had a 60% higher rate of these events, which included various forms of stroke as well as heart attacks.”
Medscape reported that “the risk persisted after controlling for metabolic syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiac disease history.”
So, for those of you who love diet sodas, it may be time to consider a far more healthy beverage … water.
 

0 Comments

  1. Alecia Shannon says:

    Well…I’ve given up sodas before for just water…looks like I’ll have to do it again for GOOD!!! Thanks for the update Dr. Larimore!

  2. Amy Boucher Pye says:

    I too have given up sodas – my one Diet Coke a day; I’ve done so for Lent. Looks like I should make it a permanent thing! What’s your take on asperatame?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.