[crazygringo]

That article makes clear these potential risks come from observational studies, not controlled experiments.

And if consumption of diet soda correlates with other things, for example an unhealthier diet in general that the person "compensates" for by only drinking diet soda, then it would show up in an observational study even though there's no cause-and-effect.

But remember, diet soda is 99+% water. Really the only hypothetical problems with diet soda could be 1) artificial sweetener chemicals in the body triggering cancer or other ailments, and 2) artificial sweeteners triggering a glucose-like response triggering weight gain. But studies with rats indicate 1) shouldn't be an issue at anywhere near the concentrations in diet soda, and 2) seems rather far-fetched.

[SV_BubbleTime]

My man… you are arguing FOR drinking a 2L of soda a day. Take a step back, your reasons for why studies aren’t conclusive might be good, and I may not be able to refute them… but look at the ridiculousness of your position.

[crazygringo]

Diet soda, not sugary soda.

It's not what I do personally but I also don't judge, because scientifically, it's basically just water.

Do you have a problem with somebody drinking 2 cans' worth of LaCroix in the morning, 1 at lunch, 2 in the afternoon, and 1 at dinner? Why should that suddenly become "ridiculous" because an eyedropper amount of caramel color, caffeine, and artificial sweetener get added?

[hgomersall]

It's increasingly becoming apparent that artificial sweeteners are not so biologically inert as might be desired: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8156656/ . Do what you will with that information. I make no judgement.

[Liquix]

Diet coke has a pH of 3.2-3.6. Something that is "basically just water" shouldn't dissolve enamel.

[crazygringo]

There's no evidence it does so meaningfully. All that stuff about "leave a tooth in Coke overnight and it'll dissolve" is 100% urban legend.

We're eating and drinking acidic things all day long, orange juice and grapefruits and the rest. And diet soda doesn't adhere in a layer to your teeth, the way things like orange juice and sugary Coke do.

Our enamel repairs itself through our saliva. Otherwise you'd never be able to drink a lemonade or eat a grapefruit. The acidity of Coke Zero is a nonissue in the context of a normal diet.

(Not to mention that flavored carbonated waters like La Croix and Bubly are also acidic. Bubly grapefruit flavor is pH 3.86, while Coke Zero is 3.18, from a quick Google.)

[Mindstormy]

One item I believe that hasn't been mentioned are the effects of carbonated water/soda on ones oral health.

[wolongong942]

I've also been drinking 2.25l of coke zero every day for 5 years and it has been a game changer for both weight and oral health. Previously i required fillings quite frequently and none over that period. Obv nobody should drink any soda if they don't have to but if replacing consumption of sugary drinks it's extremely effective for health gains. And most of the anti sugar-free soda studies are bro science.

[judge2020]

Even so, backing things up with data and proving things via the scientific method is one of our most powerful tools we have to get people to listen to an argument. Without controlled experiments, why should anyone take your position or the opposing position on the issue?

[vlunkr]

They're really not. They're saying it's probably ok to do so. Which is not the same as an endorsement. I'm not sure why you have a problem with that.

[SV_BubbleTime]

They his other comments. He really was, because it was he does.

Sugar, and the addition to things that taste like it is far worse than we understand. It seems to make people do crazy things.