A new study in JAMA suggests that soft drinks, whether sugary or artificially sweetened, raise the risk of premature death. Researchers also link them to a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Study Analyzed Over 450,000 Adults Across Europe who consume Soft Drinks
Scientists tracked 450,000 adults from 10 European countries over 19 years. The research included Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
People who drink two or more 250-gram glasses of soda daily have a higher risk of premature death. Those drinking one glass or less per month face lower risks.
Sugary vs. Artificially Sweetened Drinks: Different Health Risks
Daily sugary soda drinkers have a greater risk of digestive-related deaths. Those who consume artificially sweetened sodas daily face a higher risk of heart disease-related deaths.
- “Our findings confirm that carbonated drinks should be avoided and replaced with healthier options, preferably water,” says Neil Murphy from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Soft Drinks May Contribute to Parkinson’s Disease
The study found that people drinking one or more sodas daily—regular or diet—are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. However, experts stress that more research is needed to confirm this link.
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