04 Sep 2019 --- Soft drink consumption, including both sugar- and artificially-sweetened drinks, has been associated with an increased risk of overall death. This is according to a new, population-based study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer based in Lyon, France. The study followed the soda-drinking habits of nearly half a million Europeans and found that consuming two or more glasses of soda daily increased the risk of early death from all causes. Although the observational design of the study warrants further research, the authors note that the findings may urge policy initiatives to limit soft drink consumption – even when it’s sugar-free.