Madeleine Hull
There is no strong evidence directly linking the consumption of diet soda to cancer risk. However, artificial sweeteners in diet soda have been linked to a range of side effects, and there is ongoing research into their possible health implications. While diet soda may be a short-term substitute for those reducing their intake of sugary drinks, it is best consumed in small amounts and not regularly. Mountain Dew, for example, contains sodium benzoate, a preservative that is carcinogenic when mixed with orange juice. It also contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), which has been banned in over 100 countries due to its potential toxic effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer risk | The American Cancer Society did not find a link between diet soda and cancer. However, some studies have linked artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, ace-K, and sucralose, found in diet sodas, to an increased cancer risk. |
| Other health risks | Weight gain, elevated "bad" cholesterol, increased risk of Type-2 Diabetes, tooth decay, neurological issues, organ damage, birth defects, memory issues, skin problems, endocrine disruption |
| Additives | Sodium Benzoate, Gum Arabic, Yellow 5 or Tartrazine, Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), caffeine, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid |
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What You'll Learn
- Mountain Dew contains additives that are linked to cancer
- BVO, an ingredient in Mountain Dew, is banned in Europe
- The FDA declared BVO not generally recognised as safe
- Artificial sweeteners in diet drinks are being researched for cancer links
- Obesity caused by diet drinks may increase the risk of certain cancers
Mountain Dew contains additives that are linked to cancer
While there is no direct evidence that Mountain Dew causes cancer, the drink does contain additives that have been linked to cancer. These additives are often found in processed foods and drinks, and their consumption has been associated with various health risks.
One such additive is brominated vegetable oil (BVO), which is used to add a citrus flavour to Mountain Dew and other soft drinks. BVO contains bromine, which can accumulate in the body and potentially impact memory, skin, and nerves. While BVO is banned in Europe, it is considered safe for consumption in limited quantities in the United States.
Another additive, potassium bromate, is listed as a known carcinogen by the state of California and classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Cancer Agency. It causes tumours in animals, is toxic to the kidneys, and can lead to DNA damage. Although baking converts most potassium bromate to non-carcinogenic potassium bromide, residues of bromate are still found in finished bread products. The United States allows potassium bromate to be added to flour, while the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union prohibit its use in food.
Additionally, certain preservatives and flavour enhancers, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), are linked to cancer. BHT has been shown to cause developmental effects and thyroid changes in animals, indicating potential endocrine disruption. The state of California lists BHA as a chemical known to cause cancer, and it is "reasonably anticipated" to be a human carcinogen by the U.S. government.
Furthermore, nitrites and nitrates, commonly used as preservatives in cured meats, can form nitrosamines, which are known cancer-causing compounds. Studies have associated nitrites with stomach, brain, thyroid, and oesophageal cancers.
While the presence of these additives in Mountain Dew and other processed foods and beverages may raise concerns, it is important to note that the links to cancer are based on varying levels of evidence, including animal studies and epidemiological observations. The specific risks associated with consuming these additives through Mountain Dew or other products may depend on various factors, including frequency of consumption, overall diet, and individual health factors.
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BVO, an ingredient in Mountain Dew, is banned in Europe
Mountain Dew is a popular soft drink with a bold citrus flavour. It is manufactured by PepsiCo and has been a favourite among soda consumers for years. However, concerns have been raised about one of its ingredients, known as BVO or brominated vegetable oil. BVO is a controversial food additive that has been used in Mountain Dew to emulsify its citrus oils, preventing them from separating and floating to the top, which would otherwise result in a poor soft drink experience.
BVO has been a subject of debate due to its potential health risks. One of the substances in BVO is bromine, which can accumulate in the body and potentially affect memory, skin, and nerves. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States once listed BVO as "generally recognized as safe," they have since changed it to an interim ingredient. This change is partly due to the mounting pressure on PepsiCo to remove BVO from their products.
In Europe and over 100 other countries, BVO is banned due to its controversial nature. As a result, Mountain Dew was not available in these regions for a long time. However, in recent years, PepsiCo has removed BVO from Mountain Dew, replacing it with alternative emulsifiers like sucrose acetate isobutyrate or glycerol ester of rosin. This change has sparked discussions among consumers, with some noticing a difference in taste and texture, specifically describing it as "less full-bodied."
While the removal of BVO from Mountain Dew is a step towards addressing health concerns, there is still limited research on the long-term effects of BVO consumption. It is important for consumers to stay informed about the ingredients in their food and beverages and make choices that prioritize their health and well-being. It is also worth noting that, as with any soda, occasional consumption of Mountain Dew is unlikely to cause significant harm. Nevertheless, the decision to ban BVO in Europe and many other countries highlights the importance of regulating controversial additives to ensure the safety of consumers.
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The FDA declared BVO not generally recognised as safe
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the regulation that previously allowed the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food. BVO is a vegetable oil that is modified with bromine. It was used to keep the citrus flavouring from floating to the top in some beverages, such as Mountain Dew.
The FDA's decision was made in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Studies conducted by both organisations found the potential for adverse health effects in humans, particularly concerning the thyroid. In 2024, the FDA published improved methods to more accurately measure the amount of BVO in commercial soft drinks on the market.
The FDA first began regulating BVO as a food additive in 1970, when it was removed from the list of substances "Generally Recognised as Safe" (GRAS). However, there was not enough data at the time to restrict its use entirely. The FDA continued to evaluate new information about the possible health effects of BVO as it became available.
In 2014, FDA scientists reassessed available information on the safety of BVO and identified areas where additional information on possible health effects was needed. Animal studies were then conducted to assess potential effects and identify the level of BVO in the body after consumption.
The FDA's 2023 proposed rule stated that animal and human data, including new information from recent FDA-led studies on BVO, no longer provided a basis to conclude that the use of BVO in food was safe. The FDA issued a final rule revoking the regulation on July 3, 2024, with an effective date of August 2, 2024. This gave companies one year to reformulate, relabel, and deplete their inventories of BVO-containing products.
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Artificial sweeteners in diet drinks are being researched for cancer links
The use of artificial sweeteners in diet drinks and their potential links to cancer have been the subject of several studies, with some conflicting findings. Artificial sweeteners are used as alternatives to added sugars, which have well-established harmful effects on various chronic diseases. While some studies have suggested a potential connection between artificial sweeteners and cancer, the majority of research, including large cohort studies, indicates that there is no direct link between artificial sweetener consumption and cancer risk.
One notable study, the NutriNet-Santé Study, found that individuals who consumed higher amounts of artificial sweeteners, specifically aspartame, were slightly more likely to develop cancer overall, breast cancer, and obesity-related cancers than those who did not. This study also reported a slightly higher risk of cancer overall for consumers of acesulfame-K. However, other studies, such as the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, found no association between aspartame consumption and the development of lymphoma, leukemia, or brain cancer. Similarly, no evidence has been found linking sucralose to cancer in humans.
It is important to note that the safety of artificial sweeteners is debated, and there are conflicting findings regarding their potential health risks. Some studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners may contribute to obesity, which is a known risk factor for certain types of cancer. For example, a small randomized clinical trial found that participants who consumed beverages containing sucrose or saccharin experienced weight gain, while those who drank beverages with aspartame or other sweeteners did not. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials indicated that replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with low- or no-calorie sweetened drinks was associated with minor improvements in body weight.
While there may be concerns about the health effects of certain additives and preservatives in food and beverages, regulatory bodies like the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK assess the safety of artificial sweeteners before approval. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) establishes acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels for approved sweeteners. These measures are in place to help ensure consumer safety and provide guidance on the consumption of these substances.
In conclusion, while some studies have suggested a potential link between artificial sweeteners and cancer, the majority of research, including large-scale cohort studies, indicates that there is no direct association. The safety of these additives is a subject of ongoing investigation and regulatory oversight. As such, while artificial sweeteners in diet drinks may not directly increase cancer risk, maintaining healthy habits, such as making water the primary drink of choice, is always advisable.
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Obesity caused by diet drinks may increase the risk of certain cancers
While there is no direct evidence that Diet Mountain Dew causes cancer, obesity caused by excessive consumption of diet drinks may increase the risk of certain cancers. Obesity is a condition characterized by excess body fat, and it is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including colorectal, thyroid, breast, prostate, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. The link between obesity and cancer risk is well-established, with research indicating that obesity can promote cancer development through various mechanisms.
One key mechanism linking obesity to cancer risk is insulin resistance. People with obesity often exhibit higher blood levels of insulin due to their body's decreased sensitivity to this hormone. This condition, known as hyperinsulinemia, leads to an increase in insulin production to compensate for the body's diminished response. However, this increase in insulin levels can promote cell growth and proliferation, ultimately contributing to cancer development. Additionally, insulin resistance is associated with alterations in other hormones, such as estrogen, which can further enhance cancer risk.
Obesity-induced inflammation is another critical factor in the development of cancer. Visceral fat, which accumulates around vital organs, triggers chronic inflammation. This inflammatory state directly promotes tumor growth by several mechanisms. Obese individuals typically have higher levels of inflammatory markers and cytokines, which can stimulate cell growth and create a conducive environment for tumors to develop. The specific cytokines involved include adipokines, such as leptin, and adiponectin, whose levels are imbalanced in obesity and can influence cell proliferation.
The relationship between obesity and cancer risk is further supported by epidemiological data. Studies have shown that obesity is linked to an increased risk of early-onset cancers, particularly in certain demographic groups. For example, obesity has been associated with a higher risk of early-onset breast cancer in Black women. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight through physical activity and a balanced diet is recommended as a strategy to lower cancer risk. By staying active and making healthy food choices, individuals can reduce their risk of obesity-related cancers and improve their overall health.
In conclusion, while Diet Mountain Dew itself is not directly linked to cancer, excessive consumption of such drinks can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are established risk factors for various cancers. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize maintaining a healthy weight and making informed dietary choices to mitigate potential health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence that artificial sweeteners in diet sodas cause cancer, but they don't offer any nutritional value either. It's best to avoid or limit drinking Mountain Dew and other sodas.
Mountain Dew contains citric acid, which promotes tooth decay and leaves teeth looking "yellowish". It also contains sodium benzoate, which is carcinogenic when mixed with orange juice. Other potentially harmful ingredients include Yellow 5 or Tartrazine, a colouring ingredient, and Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), which has been banned in over 100 countries.
Water and sparkling water are healthier alternatives to Mountain Dew and other sodas.
