#artificial-sweeteners

#artificial-sweeteners

"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.