One out of four American children consumes sugary drinks on a typical day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Although soda is not the only culprit, it is one of the major ones. In addition, some other ingredients in soda can cause health problems. Concerns about the link between soda intake and health may cause you to reconsider offering this sweet beverage to your child too frequently.
Caffeine
Sodas generally contain caffeine unless they are labeled caffeine-free. Caffeine occurs naturally in plants such as the cocoa leaf, but is artificially produced as well and added to food and other products. Restlessness, rapid heart rate, upset stomach and sleep problems are just some effects of caffeine consumption. Because children have a smaller body mass than adults, it might take less caffeine to cause symptoms in a child. For adults, 250 mg of caffeine is considered moderate consumption; that's about three 8-oz. cups of coffee. No such guidelines exist for American children.
Sugar
High-fructose corn syrup, which is sugar derived from corn, is a common sweetener in soda. Sugar provides most of the calories in soda, which has few nutrients. Studies cited by the Harvard School of Public Health show a link between soda consumption and increased risk for diabetes, bone problems and heart disease. There also is a link between obesity and soft drinks, and excess weight may play a role in the link between soda intake and the development of diabetes and heart disease.
Artificial Sweeteners
You may think diet soda, which substitutes no-calorie artificial sweeteners for high-calorie high-fructose corn syrup, is a healthier option. Reducing calorie intake should theoretically reduce weight gain and its associated health risks. But the Harvard School of Public Health cites studies showing a link between weight gain and prolonged consumption of artificially sweetened drinks such as diet soda. With unhealthy weight gain you put yourself at risk for other health problems such as heart disease. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, there is no evidence supporting a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer.
Recommendations
Children and teens drink most of their sugary drinks at home, so reduce the availability of sodas at home and make healthy beverages -- especially water -- more attractive and accessible; keep a cold pitcher of water in the refrigerator. If you serve soda, choose 8- or 12-oz. bottles rather than 20-oz. bottles. And be careful about replacing soda with fruit drinks, which also can contain a lot of sugar and calories..
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Time to Focus on Healthier Drinks
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks: What's the Best Choice?
- MedlinePlus: Caffeine in the Diet
- KidsHealth: Is Caffeinated Soda OK for Kids; February 2010
- National Cancer Institute: Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer
Member Comments