Celebrity-supported soda linked to high cancer risk
In this DML Report…
Prebiotic sodas like Poppi and Olipop, endorsed by celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez, are under scrutiny after experts warned of potential cancer risks tied to their key ingredient, inulin. These drinks, costing $2.60 per can with about 50 calories, use inulin—a fiber from chicory root and other plants—to claim gut health benefits by boosting good bacteria via short-chain fatty acids. However, studies from 2018 and 2024 by researchers at Georgia State and Toledo universities suggest inulin may increase liver and colon cancer risks in mice and humans by promoting inflammation and tumor growth, though evidence remains limited and more research is needed.
Poppi and Olipop, each generating $500 million in sales last year, pack three to nine grams of fiber per can, far less than the 28 grams daily recommended by U.S. guidelines. A 2018 study showed mice fed inulin developed liver cancer after six months, with jaundice as an early sign, while a 2024 case study linked it to colon cancer in a man with a previously normal colonoscopy. Biomedical professor Andrew Gewirtz told Axios that regular inulin consumption—common in these sodas—might dampen anti-tumor immunity, though he noted occasional use is unlikely to harm.
(see more below)
The Poppi brand faced a $5 million lawsuit in 2024, alleging it misled consumers about gut health benefits due to low fiber content, despite its high-profile fans like Kim Kardashian. Inulin’s benefits, like aiding digestion and reducing inflammation, are countered by its potential risks, with Gewirtz emphasizing that consistent intake, not a single can, poses the concern. These sodas remain popular alternatives to sugary drinks, but experts caution that their health claims hinge on shaky science, leaving consumers to weigh the $500 million industry’s promises against emerging data.