Cola and cancer: Researchers find link between increased consumption and mortality

06 Jan 2023 --- A study published in Nutrients has investigated the relationship between mortality from pancreatic cancer and consuming sugar and artificially sweetened beverages such as cola, diet cola and other soft drinks. It found that consuming one or more regular colas daily increases the fatal malignancy risk by 55%.

The study demonstrates the statistical significance of consuming sugar-added beverages on increased mortality risk. However, artificial sugars are to be researched to the same extent. The study notes that no statistical significance exists between regular sugar and artificial sweeteners’ role in increasing pancreatic cancer risk.

NutritionInsight reached out to the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) for information on set guidelines when it comes to sugary beverages and artificial sweeteners. 

“As sweeteners are food additives, there are no recommendations on their consumption in the same way as we have recommendations for nutrients,” Dr. Nina McGrath, content production area lead at EUFIC, tells us.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that free sugars make up no more than 10% of a person’s daily energy intake, equating to around 200 calories, which is about 50 grams or 12 teaspoons of sugar. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends that intakes of added and free sugars should be as low as possible.” 

The study says that the increased consumption of regular cola “may be causing a type of adiposity.A broad category
McGrath explains that sweeteners are a group comprising many different compounds. Therefore, they cannot be considered one and compared with sugars.

“Whereas the science is clear that negative health outcomes are associated with excessive energy intake, particularly through the overconsumption of soft drinks, benefits of sweetener use such as weight loss are likely dependent on the specific circumstances in which they are consumed.”

She says that the type of sweetener, in what kind of food the sweetener is used, the duration of time over which a sweetener is consumed and whether someone has pre-existing metabolic conditions all play a role.

The study also says that the increased consumption of regular cola “may be causing a type of adiposity that is uniquely favorable to the promotion of pancreatic cancer.”

A previous study demonstrated that artificial sweeteners might be causing long-term digestive diseases and discomfort. One of the study’s authors, Ariel Kushmaro, professor at the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, previously told NutritionInsight: “Consumers should also be advised that use of these sweeteners may not be effective in aiding weight loss.”

Pros versus cons
However, McGrath says that while data on beneficial health effects of sweetener consumption is strongly dependent on context, in general, expert panels supporting public health authorities agree that sweeteners may be supportive in weight loss and weight management.Experts demonstrate different opinions on whether or not artificial sweeteners are beneficial for weight loss.

“On the whole, available evidence shows that sweeteners may have a role in weight management by reducing energy intake and body weight when used as a sugar replacement in the diet.”

She adds that non-sugar-sweetened drinks should not be used as a substitute for water. 

“To gradually adjust one’s taste preferences to less sweet tastes may be a useful strategy to support reducing sugar intake in the diet, and low-calorie sweeteners can be an alternative supportive tool in this process."

Another recently covered study, including over 100,000 participants, claimed that artificial sweeteners could increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

By Beatrice Wihlander