12 cans of Coke a day for Donald Trump: what consequences?
US President Donald Trump is said to drink up to 12 cans of Diet Coke a day.
Like many of his fellow citizens, US President Donald Trump swallows a dozen cans of sugar-free Coke every day every day, reports the New York Times.
Unwanted additives
Coke contains sweeteners like aspartame as well as phosphoric acid, flavors, caffeine, color (caramel), potassium benzoate. Several of these additives have been linked to health risks and are not recommended by our Guide to Additives:
- caramel (E150) is classified as red (to be avoided)
- potassium benzoate (E212) is classified as red
- aspartame (E951) is classified as red
- phosphoric acid (E338) is classified as red
What health risks ?
Studies also suggest that artificially sweetened drinks increase appetite and increase insulin secretion in response to the consumption of sugary products; they could promote diabetes. Other work has reported that consumers of diet soda have a higher risk of stroke, but this risk appears low and these results are disputed. Another study reported a higher risk of dementia.
Another recent study looked at the relationship between soda consumption and changes in waist circumference in people 65 years of age and older. Researchers at the University of Texas have found that people who drink the most “light” sodas have increased abdominal obesity, which leads to an increased risk of heart disease.
A study suggests that cola drinks, whether sweetened or artificially sweetened, lead to dissolution of tooth enamel due to their acids.
In practice
These studies are observational studies that do not establish a cause and effect relationship. However, there is no proof that by replacing sugary drinks with "light" drinks, there is a benefit on weight and line, which is however the main motivation of these consumers. On the contrary, we perpetuate the habit of sweet taste and, one food chasing the other, we replace the water with an ultra-processed drink loaded with additives and caffeine. With 12 cans of Cola per day Donald Trump receives a dose of caffeine that some doctors consider problematic, with risks of insomnia, nervousness, irritability and even heart rhythm disturbances. Not great for a man in charge of the world's greatest power.
