Are sugar-free soft drinks and energy drinks harmless?

Sugar-free drinks do not cause a direct sugar load, but the acids they contain can attack tooth enamel. This applies in particular to many soft drinks and energy drinks. In addition, regular consumption of such drinks can promote habituation to a sweet taste and maintain the preference for sweet foods. Possible long-term health effects of certain sugar substitutes are also being discussed. Studies point to links between the consumption of sweeteners and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, although a causal relationship has not yet been clearly established. Research on the sugar alcohol erythritol also suggests increased platelet aggregation, which could potentially influence the risk of thrombosis. However, these findings cannot be applied to all sweeteners. For daily fluid intake, water is therefore the more tooth-friendly choice and the one that is better recommended from a health perspective.