Turkey Hill Iced Tea and Gallstones: No Direct Causal Link

Turkey Hill iced tea does not cause gallstones. Cholelithiasis results from bile composition imbalance:

• Cholesterol supersaturation: Hepatic hypersecretion, reduced bile salts/phospholipids.
• Gallbladder stasis: Incomplete emptying (fasting, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, TPN).
• Nucleating factors: Mucin, calcium, bacteria.

Risk Factors

• Obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes.
• Female sex, age >40, estrogen therapy, multiparity.
• Rapid weight loss (>1.5 kg/week), very low‑calorie diets.
• Genetics (ABCG8/G5 variants), certain drugs (ceftriaxone, octreotide).

Dietary Context

High‑fructose corn syrup (in sweetened teas) promotes hepatic de novo lipogenesis → increased biliary cholesterol secretion over time, but no single beverage causes stones. Unsweetened tea is neutral; hydration may actually reduce stasis.

Focus on weight stability, fiber, healthy fats, and regular meals for prevention.