#artificial-sweeteners

#artificial-sweeteners

For years, researchers have suspected that excess sugar in food and drinks can cause depression. One reason it was suspected was because people with diabetes have an increased incidence of depression that is beyond what would be expected only from the challenges of dealing with a chronic illness. Having diabetes is associated with two to three times the rate of depression compared to the general population.

"Sugar sweetened beverages [SSBs] have long been under scrutiny, while their 'diet' alternatives are often seen as the healthier choice," said lead study author Lihe Liu, a graduate student in the department of gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, in Suzhou, China. However, the study rebuffs this notion as "even a single can per day" of artificially sweetened drink was linked to a higher risk of liver disease, Liu said.

The research found that teenagers consuming sucralose, glycyrrhizin, and added sugars had a significantly increased risk of early puberty, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals.

Diet Dr Pepper and Dr Pepper Zero Sugar are both low-calorie beverages sweetened with aspartame, yet Dr Pepper Zero Sugar also includes acesulfame potassium, enhancing taste.