CSDs, which have been demonized in the public health debate for everything from containing too much sugar to containing artificial sweeteners, recently received an unexpected public image boost. Dr. Brian Eisner told a meeting of the American Urological Association that some diet sodas may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Dr. Eisner found that some CSDs contain relatively high amounts of the alkalis citrate and malate, which help counter the formation of kidney stones. Fruit-flavored sodas had the most alkalis, with Diet Sunkist and Diet 7 Up ranking the highest, while cola flavored beverages had the least.
“This study suggests that people with stone disease who do not drink soda may benefit from moderate consumption,” said AUA spokesperson Anthony Y Smith.
Sugar-sweetened beverages may also offer the same benefits, since they contain the same alkalis. But, Dr Eisner said, the study focused on diet sodas “because we wanted to be able to recommend something that was healthier for our patients.” •
The evaluation, as it was posted on the American Dietetic Association’s Evidence Analysis Library web site, found that – contrary to rumor – aspartame does not create a “rebound” effect that heightens appetite or leads to increased food consumption. The review also concluded that using aspartame in the context of a reduced calorie diet does not affect weight, and may be associated with increased weight loss.
The committee evaluated peer-reviewed research from the scientific literature and concluded that aspartame consumption is not associated with adverse effects in the general population.