Scientists from Yale School of Medicine have debunked the myth that beverages containing artificial sweeteners increase the risk of urinary incontinence in women. The results of the research were published in the journal Menopause.
The new study included 80,000 women. The researchers concluded that neither stress incontinence nor urge incontinence was associated with consumption of artificially sweetened beverages.
Urinary incontinence affects almost 20% of women over the age of 50 and is associated with comorbidities such as cognitive impairment, decreased independence, falls, fractures, stroke, depression, and a general deterioration in quality of life. Beverages containing artificial sweeteners are believed to have a negative effect on the bladder and lower urinary tract. These data are largely based on animal studies.
The authors noted that, given the many negative health effects associated with sugar consumption, artificial sweeteners may be a good alternative, so women should not give up on them for fear of incontinence.