Leena Watts
Mountain Dew is a popular soft drink, ranking fourth in popularity among sodas. Its sugar-free, zero-calorie diet version, Diet Mountain Dew, is marketed as a healthier alternative to the regular soda. However, despite being low in calories and sugar, it contains several additives that may have detrimental effects on the body. This article will explore the potential health impact of consuming Diet Mountain Dew and discuss whether it is a healthier choice compared to its sugar-sweetened counterpart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Content | 54 grams of caffeine in a 12oz can |
| Central Nervous System Effects | Alertness, Insomnia, Nervousness, Restlessness, Increased Heart Rate, Increased Blood Pressure, Increased Respiratory Rate |
| Gastrointestinal Effects | Nausea, Vomiting, Gastrointestinal Upset |
| Additives | EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid), Potassium Benzoate, Sodium Benzoate, Aspartame, Artificial Colouring, Preservatives |
| Health Effects | Weight Gain, Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Headaches, DNA Damage, Neurologic Diseases (e.g. Parkinson's), Insomnia, Hyperactivity, Dizziness, Tooth Decay and Loss |
| Nutritional Value | No minerals, vitamins, or nutritional value |
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What You'll Learn
Artificial sweeteners and weight gain
Artificial sweeteners are often chosen over sugar to lose or maintain weight. Sugar provides a large amount of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates, leading to excessive energy intake, weight gain, and metabolic syndrome. However, newer studies have found that artificial sweeteners can alter the host microbiome, leading to decreased satiety, altered glucose production, and weight gain.
The San Antonio Heart Study examined 3,682 adults over a seven- to eight-year period in the 1980s. When matched for initial body mass index (BMI), gender, ethnicity, and diet, drinkers of artificially sweetened beverages consistently had higher BMIs at the follow-up, with dose dependence on the amount of consumption. Average BMI gain was +1.01 kg/m2 for control and 1.78 kg/m2 for people in the third quartile for artificially sweetened beverage consumption. Another study by the American Cancer Society in the early 1980s included 78,694 women who were highly homogenous with regard to age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and lack of preexisting conditions. At the one-year follow-up, 2.7 percent to 7.1 percent more regular artificial sweetener users gained weight compared to non-users matched by initial weight.
A 2022 review found that artificial sweeteners had an effect on the microbiome in animal and human studies with a negative impact on metabolic health. It is known that the bacteria in the intestine—the gut flora or microbiome—are important for health. Recent studies show that consuming artificial sweeteners may result in weight gain due to altering the microbiome. However, not all artificial sweeteners cause weight gain, and the type of artificial sweetener appears to make a difference in the results.
One of the most common artificial sweeteners, aspartame, has been linked to multiple serious health challenges. Aspartame consists of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which when broken down in the system produces methanol, which can be toxic in high amounts. Metabolites from methanol can cause central nervous system depression and other disorders that lead to metabolic acidosis and coma.
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Caffeine and health
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and a major ingredient in Diet Mountain Dew. A 12oz can of the drink contains 54 grams of caffeine. When caffeine reaches the brain, it induces a feeling of immediate alertness. Depending on an individual’s sensitivity to caffeine, it can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, gastrointestinal issues, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and an increase in respiratory rate. Caffeine has also been linked to negative impacts on bone health and bone loss.
One of the most harmful ingredients in Diet Mountain Dew is aspartame, an artificial sweetener that has been linked to multiple adverse health effects. Aspartame consists of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which produce methanol when broken down. Methanol can be toxic in high amounts, and its metabolites can cause central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and even comas. Recent studies have also shown that aspartame and other artificial sweeteners can lead to weight gain by interfering with enzymes that fight obesity. They can also cause people to crave sweeter, less nutritious foods.
Potassium and sodium benzoate are additional preservatives in Diet Mountain Dew that have been associated with serious health effects, including hyperactivity, dizziness, insomnia, DNA damage, and significant neurological diseases such as Parkinson's. When combined with vitamin C, these preservatives can form benzene, a known carcinogen.
While the exact health consequences of consuming Diet Mountain Dew are not fully understood, it is clear that several of its ingredients, including caffeine, aspartame, and preservatives, can have detrimental effects on the body. It is important to consider the potential risks associated with consuming this beverage regularly and to make informed choices regarding one's health.
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Lack of nutritional value
While diet drinks may seem like a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks, they may not be as harmless as they seem. Regular consumption of diet drinks such as Diet Mountain Dew can have negative effects on your body due to their lack of nutritional value.
Diet Mountain Dew is a popular caffeinated carbonated soft drink that contains artificial sweeteners, colouring, preservatives, and other additives. While it is marketed as a sugar-free and zero-calorie option, it provides no nutritional benefits and has been linked to various health concerns.
One of the main concerns with Diet Mountain Dew is its high content of aspartame, an artificial sweetener. While aspartame is approved by the FDA and commonly used in many products, it has been linked to several health issues. Some studies suggest that aspartame can negatively affect the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in immune function, nutrient absorption, and heart health. Additionally, aspartame has been linked to weight gain, as it may interfere with enzymes that fight obesity and intensify hunger cravings.
Another concern with Diet Mountain Dew is its caffeine content. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and can cause increased alertness, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, gastrointestinal issues, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate in sensitive individuals. The drink also contains EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid), a chelating agent that has been linked to various health issues, despite being deemed safe by the FDA.
Potassium and sodium benzoate, used as preservatives in Diet Mountain Dew, have also been associated with serious health effects, including hyperactivity, dizziness, insomnia, DNA damage, and an increased risk of significant neurological diseases. When combined with vitamin C, commonly found in many fruits and vegetables, these preservatives can form benzene, a known carcinogen.
Overall, while Diet Mountain Dew may seem like a healthier choice due to its lack of sugar and calories, it offers no nutritional benefits and has been linked to various health concerns. The lack of nutrients and the presence of artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and additives can have detrimental effects on the body, especially with regular and long-term consumption. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential negative impacts on your health when consuming this drink and make informed choices to maintain a well-balanced diet.
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EDTA and health issues
EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid, is a chemical commonly used as a food additive and an ingredient in cosmetic and industrial products. It is also used in the medical field as a treatment for various conditions. While it has been found to be effective in certain cases, there are also health issues associated with its use.
One of the main uses of EDTA in medicine is as a chelation agent to treat heavy metal toxicity, particularly lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause serious health issues, including brain damage, abdominal pain, fatigue, and long-term kidney failure. EDTA is effective in treating lead poisoning because it binds to the lead in the body, preventing it from causing further harm, and allowing it to be excreted through urine. This treatment method is approved by the FDA and has been found to be effective in improving symptoms of lead poisoning.
However, there are also risks associated with the use of EDTA. One of the most common side effects is a burning sensation at the injection site. More seriously, some people may experience an allergic reaction to EDTA, which can lead to low blood sugar, diminished calcium levels, headaches, nausea, low blood pressure, kidney failure, organ damage, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or even death. It is important for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients undergoing EDTA treatment and be aware of any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
Additionally, while EDTA has been suggested as a possible treatment for heart disease, most well-designed studies have found that it is not effective for this purpose. Organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have publicly criticized the use of EDTA chelation therapy for heart disease. Furthermore, EDTA can decrease potassium levels in the body, especially when taken with "water pills," which can be dangerous if levels drop too low.
While EDTA has proven effective in treating lead poisoning, its use in treating other conditions is less clear. Holistic healthcare providers may suggest chelation therapy with EDTA for conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer's, and autism, but current research does not support these uses. More studies are needed to determine the full range of benefits and risks associated with EDTA treatment.
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Benzene and carcinogenic effects
Benzene is a known carcinogen, and its presence in soft drinks has been a cause for concern. Benzene forms from the decarboxylation of the preservative benzoic acid, which is often added to drinks in the form of its salts sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, or calcium benzoate. When combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or erythorbic acid, these preservatives can form benzene. This reaction is accelerated by heat and light, and the presence of metal ions like iron and copper.
The major cause of benzene in soft drinks is the combination of benzoic acid with ascorbic or erythorbic acid. Citric acid, in combination with benzoic acid, may also accelerate benzene production. However, it is important to note that calcium disodium EDTA, which is present in Mountain Dew, has been shown to inhibit benzene production.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a limit of 10 ppb for benzene in drinking water, and the federal limit in the United States is 5 ppb. While benzene levels are regulated in drinking water, they are only informally regulated in soft drinks. The highest level of benzene found in a soft drink was 87.9 ppb, which is significantly above the WHO standard.
While the casual consumption of benzene-containing drinks is unlikely to pose a significant health hazard, regular and frequent intake could increase the risk of adverse health effects associated with benzene exposure. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and exposure to high levels of benzene over time can increase the risk of cancer.
In addition to benzene, Diet Mountain Dew contains other potentially harmful ingredients, such as aspartame, artificial coloring, preservatives, caffeine, and EDTA. These ingredients have been linked to various health issues, including central nervous system disorders, metabolic acidosis, and gastrointestinal problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet Mountain Dew is a popular caffeinated carbonated soft drink that contains aspartame, artificial colouring, preservatives, and no mineral or vitamin content.
The artificial sweeteners in Diet Mountain Dew may negatively affect your gut microbiome, which plays a key role in immune function, nutrient absorption, and heart health. Aspartame, a common sweetener in diet soda, has been linked to headaches and migraines, especially in those with neurological or psychiatric conditions. Caffeine in Diet Mountain Dew can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, gastrointestinal issues, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate. Potassium and sodium benzoate, used as preservatives, have been linked to hyperactivity, dizziness, insomnia, DNA damage, and neurological diseases.
Research on the link between diet soda and weight gain is mixed. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners like aspartame may promote weight gain by interfering with enzymes that fight obesity and increasing cravings for sweet and less nutritious foods. However, other studies indicate that diet soda may lead to weight loss, especially when used as a replacement for sugar-sweetened beverages.
Yes, there are a few additional concerns. Firstly, chronic consumption of Diet Mountain Dew has been linked to high rates of tooth decay and tooth loss in young people in certain regions. Secondly, the high acidity of the drink is similar to battery acid. Thirdly, the additive EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid), while deemed safe by the FDA, has been linked to various health issues. Finally, Diet Mountain Dew contains brominated vegetable oil, an additive linked to health concerns.
While Diet Mountain Dew has no nutritional value, it can provide a feeling of immediate alertness due to its caffeine content. It is also a sugar-free and zero-calorie alternative to regular Mountain Dew, which contains 170 calories and 46 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving.
