Coca-Cola is courting controversy again after a new report found that the company pays fitness and nutrition experts to recommend drinking its soda as a healthy snack.

Several nutritionists and fitness experts suggested that sipping on a mini can of Coke could be part of a healthy diet during American Heart Month in February, but the Associated Press reported Monday that Coca-Cola is working with health experts in an attempt to promote its sugary beverage – one that’s otherwise being criticized for contributing to America’s obesity problem.

READ MORE: Coca-Cola to cut as many as 1,800 jobs globally

The company would not reveal how much it paid those who plugged its product, but it dismissed the behavior as something all major brands do. Some, like Kellogg’s, put money behind studies that highlight the healthy nature of their products, while others like PepsiCo also pay dietitians to recommend Frito-Lay and Tostito chips.

“We have a network of dietitians we work with,” Coca-Cola spokesperson Ben Sheidler told AP. “Every big brand works with bloggers or has paid talent.”

Specifically, the series of recommendations currently placed under the microscope originated in February, when at least four articles revolving around the issue of heart health suggested drinking mini cans of Coke. According to the AP, one referred to the soda as a “refreshing beverage option.” Others plugged the smaller cans as a way to stop individuals from consuming large portions that also retains the drink as a treat.

One article on the Nutrition Planner website referred to mini cans of Coke as “perfectly-portioned.” Another, published by Examiner.com, mentioned using smaller plates and bowls when trying to control intake of snacks like popcorn and chips. “Include having a favorite beverage, even soda,” it read, “by reaching for a Coca-Cola mini can and enjoy!”

The articles generally listed the authors as health experts who also work as “consultants” with various food and beverage companies, including Coca-Cola. While the company stated that the articles featured accurate disclosures, the Poynter Institute’s Kelly McBride told AP that simply referring to an author as a consultant isn’t the same as revealing the writer was paid for the post.

READ MORE: Milking market: Coca-Cola to launch double-priced dairy brand

With soda companies looking to convince Americans that their beverages don’t need to be tossed out the window when living a healthy lifestyle, many nutritionists have their doubts. All of the drink’s calories come from high fructose corn syrup, and its high sugar content has some questioning whether even consuming it as a snack is advisable.

The authors contacted by AP stood by their recommendations. Dietitian Robyn Flipse said she would have made the suggestion regardless of whether or not Coca-Cola paid her to do so, though she said she does not drink Coke herself, because the mini cans allow people to enjoy a drink without having too much. She also maintained that making the recommendation was her idea in the first place.

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, another dietitian who wrote a similar story, said the thoughts expressed in her article were her own, but added that she couldn’t remember if she was paid by Coke for the story.

RT has reached out to the authors of the Nutrition Planner and Examiner.com articles for comment, and will update this story accordingly.

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What Chemicals are Really in Coca-Cola’s Coke Soda?

Perhaps you already know that the Coca-Cola Co. has committed atrocious ground-water polluting in other countries, along with creating water shortages. You probably know as well that the company is turning providing the mass population with toxic beverage choices. After reading this quick, informative article, you will understand exactly what you are putting into your body, and this just might make it easier to break the Coke-drinking habit.

Here’s what’s really in Coca-Cola’s famous Coke soda

• Carbonated tap water – Whatever is in unfiltered municipal water is also in your Coke. The carbonation that is added increases gastric secretions and can make you flatulent. Here is what your tap water looks like, by the way.

• E150D – This is a food coloring, which is made from processing sugar at certain temperatures. Ammonium sulfate is then added (also a constituent of Round Up Ready Chemicals used by Monsanto). This chemical has been known to increase asthma attacks.

• E952 – This is a sugar substitute. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar and can cause your glycemic levels to sky-rocket. This can lead to diabetes, obesity and other diseases.

• E950 – This is Acesulfame Potassium, and it aggravates the heart, vascular system, and nervous system. It is especially bad for children and pregnant women.

• E951 – Aspartame – A GMO product which can cause seriously negative impact on your body. Symptoms of aspartame poisoning include: unconsciousness, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, palpitation, weight gain, irritability, anxiety, memory loss, blurry vision, fainting, joint pains, depression, infertility, hearing loss and more. Aspartame can also provoke the following diseases: brain tumors, MS (Multiple Sclerosis), epilepsy, Graves’ disease, chronic fatigue, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, mental deficiency and tuberculosis. Later, this substance was initially illegal due to its dangers but was again made legal in a suspicious manner.

• E338 – Orthophosphoric Acid – This causes skin and eye irritation, and can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb calcium, causing osteoporosis.

• E330 – Citric Acid – This is preservative that is also used in the medical field for preserving blood. In small doses it is fine, but in large doses it can eat away at your stomach and esophageal lining.

• Aromas – Unknown aromatic additives.

• E211 – Sodium Benzoate – According to a study completed by Peter Piper at the Sheffield University in Britain, sodium benzoate can harm DNA.

About the Author
Christina Sarich is a musician, yogi, humanitarian and freelance writer who channels many hours of studying Lao Tzu, Paramahansa Yogananda, Rob Brezny,  Miles Davis, and Tom Robbins into interesting tidbits to help you Wake up Your Sleepy Little Head, and See the Big Picture. Her blog is Yoga for the New World. Her latest book is Pharma Sutra: Healing the Body And Mind Through the Art of Yoga.