Products And Packaging Rumors

Rumor: Soft drinks cause dehydration, leading to cancer

This particular rumor claims that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and that by drinking five glasses of water each day, the risks of certain types of cancer are greatly reduced. The dehydration is blamed on the substitution of soft drinks for water in many Americans' diets.

Our Response: All beverages are a source of water. In addition, many foods provide additional water. Soft drinks, like other beverages and foods, are sources of water. The vast majority of healthy people adequately meet their daily hydration needs by consuming beverages at meals and otherwise letting thirst be their guide, according to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).The NAS report refers to total water, which includes the water contained in beverages and the moisture in foods, to avoid confusion with drinking water only. The reference level of nearly 4 quarts for adult men and nearly 3 quarts for adult women per day covers the expected needs of healthy, sedentary people in temperate climates.

According to the NAS 2004 Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate, all beverages, including those that are caffeinated, contribute to hydration. While concerns have been raised that caffeine has a diuretic effect, research shows this effect is temporary, and there is no convincing evidence that caffeine leads to dehydration. Therefore, the NAS concluded that when it comes to meeting daily hydration needs, caffeinated beverages can contribute as much as noncaffeinated options.

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