With summer in full swing, many experts are sounding alarms about the enjoyment of popular canned cocktails, raising concerns that these drinks might speed up cancer development.
Alcohol, it turns out, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Essentially, that means it can cause damage to our cell DNA. Even in small amounts, research indicates that it heightens the risk of various cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, liver, and breast.
Dr. Nishan Tchekmedyian, a hematologist and oncologist from City of Hope in California, pointed out that when you drink alcohol, your body converts it into acetaldehyde—a known carcinogen. Additionally, alcohol might lead to a higher chance of cancer recurrence in certain individuals. For instance, studies show that breast cancer survivors consuming more than three to four drinks weekly face a greater risk of their cancer returning.
Pre-made canned cocktails offer a convenient option for drinkers, and their popularity has surged, especially among those under 45, with a noted 20% increase in demand in 2023 according to Veylinx.
Yet, healthcare professionals advise caution. Even drinks with low alcohol by volume (ABV) can contain questionable ingredients—like food dyes and preservatives—that may elevate the risk for various illnesses and neurological conditions.
Experts are particularly wary of colorectal cancer, which has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men under 50 in the U.S., and the second for women in the same age group. More than 50,000 Americans are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year, with about 150,000 new diagnoses anticipated.
It’s small comfort that the numbers remain relatively low among younger populations, with around 2,600 new cases estimated for those under 50.
Drinks like Smirnoff Ice Red White & Berry include ingredients like Blue 1, Red 40, and sodium citrate. A 2023 study from Toxicology Reports found that Blue 1 could harm DNA and trigger inflammation in the colon, thereby potentially raising the risks associated with colon cancer.
Prior research has linked Blue 1 consumption to severe health issues, including seizures, liver, and thyroid damage and may contribute to tumors in various organs. The petroleum-derived dye has also been associated with behavioral problems in children and fertility issues in adults.
Red 40, or Allura Red AC, which is frequently added to enhance the visual appeal of foods, has been flagged as a possible link to hyperactivity and concentration issues in children. Although the FDA considers it safe, its use has been restricted in other regions, like the European Union. In the U.S., efforts are growing to limit or ban its use, as noted by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Sodium citrate, a common preservative, is found in many canned beverages and has been shown to encourage tumor growth in the bladder.
Furthermore, experts caution against ready-to-drink options like canned Aperol spritz, which contains Sunset Yellow FCF and Ponceau 4R. Both dyes can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and have been associated with respiratory issues.
While there isn’t overwhelming evidence pointing to a considerable cancer risk in adults from Ponceau 4R, lengthy consumption has ties to neurological disorders, and it’s suggested that the dye may contain traces of aluminum, a metal linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments.
Some studies also imply that Ponceau 4R could mimic estrogen effects, potentially impacting sexual function and leading to obesity. High estrogen levels can increase risks for certain cancers as they may spur abnormal cell growth.
An additional favorite among younger drinkers is BuzzBallz, which packs in almost 30 grams of sugar per bottle along with harmful dyes. Dr. Michelle Routhenstein cautioned against even occasional consumption, highlighting that with 15 percent alcohol and a hefty sugar count, these drinks might not be worth the health risks they carry.
Widespread excessive sugar intake can open the door to a myriad of issues, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and various forms of diabetes, all of which are linked to cancer risks.
Experts recommend limiting sugar; the American Heart Association suggests men cap their intake at 36 grams per day and women at 25 grams.
As for Yellow 5, a synthetic food dye linked to health concerns, it has been found by the National Institute of Health to contain carcinogens, including benzidine.
Despite attempts to reach out for comments from several beverage manufacturers, no responses have come through. It seems there’s much to consider when picking a drink for summer indulgence.
