Health and nutrition professionals have raised fresh concerns over the frequent consumption of diet sodas, warning that while these beverages are popularly marketed as sugar-free alternatives, their long-term health implications may be more dangerous than widely perceived. According to experts who spoke exclusively with KIIN360, regular intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks could significantly increase the risk of chronic health issues, including kidney impairment, heart complications, metabolic disorders, and even stroke.
Nutritionist Esther Babatunde explained that diet sodas, though devoid of sugar, typically contain synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose. These substances, she noted, may interfere with the body’s natural metabolic processes, potentially leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. “What many Nigerians don’t realise is that these sweeteners trick the brain and disrupt the body’s hunger and fullness cues, causing cravings and excessive calorie intake,” Babatunde said.
She further noted that beyond metabolic concerns, artificial sweeteners have been linked to imbalances in gut microbiota—microorganisms essential to digestion and immune function. In addition, she pointed out that the high acidity levels in many diet sodas contribute to dental erosion, while the presence of phosphoric acid may inhibit calcium absorption, posing a threat to bone health. Mood changes, particularly among regular consumers of aspartame, were also identified as another potential side effect.
A separate warning was issued by Mrs. Bunmi Alade, a registered dietician at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, who stressed the potential impact of diet sodas on cardiovascular and renal health. Citing findings from various long-term studies, Alade noted that individuals who consume at least one can of diet soda per day are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart conditions, suffering strokes, or experiencing premature death. “While these studies do not establish direct causation, the associations are strong enough for public health caution,” she said.
She particularly highlighted the kidneys as vulnerable organs, especially in women, when exposed consistently to artificial additives and phosphoric compounds found in diet sodas. According to her, the kidneys’ role in filtering waste can be compromised over time by such chemical exposure, leading to reduced organ efficiency and increasing the risk of renal disorders.
Supporting these expert views, data from the Mayo Clinic describes diet soda as a low- or zero-calorie version of carbonated drinks in which sugar is replaced by artificial sweeteners. Many consumers opt for diet versions to manage weight, blood sugar levels, or avoid tooth decay. However, growing research suggests that such choices might come with unintended health trade-offs.
One major study, conducted by researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that people who consumed one artificially sweetened soft drink per day had a threefold increased risk of stroke and dementia compared to those who rarely consumed such beverages. The decade-long study analysed over 4,300 adults and concluded that the perceived health benefit of “diet” drinks may be misleading.
“Just because a drink is labelled as sugar-free doesn’t mean it is safe or healthy,” Alade reiterated. “We need to start reading beyond marketing tags and examine what ingredients are being used, and what effect they may have over time.”
Both Babatunde and Alade urged Nigerians to reconsider their beverage choices and reduce their reliance on chemically sweetened sodas. They advised the public to opt for healthier alternatives like clean water, infused water with fruits, unsweetened natural juices, or herbal teas. Furthermore, they called on regulatory authorities, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to intensify consumer education and enforce clearer labelling of artificial ingredients in processed beverages.
The experts stressed that public health awareness on the risks associated with diet soda is critical as more Nigerians, in a bid to cut down sugar intake, may be unknowingly adopting products that compromise their long-term well-being.
