Small amounts of diet soda on occasion probably won’t harm your child. Diet soda can be a better alternative than regular soda because it contains less sugar, but drinking diet soda regularly has been linked with an increased risk for obesity, diabetes and other health concerns. Offer your child water, 100 percent fruit juice or skim milk to quench his thirst instead of diet soda.
Teeth
According to Family Gentle Dental Care, the acids in diet soda can break down the enamel on teeth, which can lead to cavities. If you give your child diet soda, offer it during meal time so other foods will somewhat neutralize the effects of the soda, and have your child brush her teeth after the meal. This should help minimize the damaging effects of the soda.
Obesity
According the CDC, the rate of childhood obesity has nearly tripled since 1980. Approximately 17 percent, or 12.5 million, children and adolescents are obese in the United States. A study conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2005 found that people who consumed diet soda daily were 65 percent more likely to become overweight and 41 percent more likely to become obese. The reason for this is unclear, but the Mayo Clinic states that data suggests drinking diet drinks may increase cravings for sugary foods and may lead to unhealthy eating practices.
Other Health Risks
Studies show other health risks associated with drinking diet soda. A 2011 study in the journal “Acta Diabetologica” found that youth with Type 1 diabetes between ages 10 and 22 who drank more diet soda had higher A1c levels -- an indication of blood sugar levels over time -- as well as higher total and LDL cholesterol and higher triglycerides. Researchers concluded that drinking diet soda may be associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, which may lead to increased cardiovascular risk and less effective blood sugar control in youth with Type 1 diabetes.
Considerations
The American Dietetic Association states that drinking diet soda in moderation is safe for children. However, diet sodas contain no nutrients. If your child is thirsty, offer her water, 100 percent fruit juice or skim milk. These beverages are healthier choices that contain important nutrients for growing children.
References
- Family Gentle Dental Care: Pop and Cavities – Cavities in a Can; February 2008
- CDC: Obesity Rates Among All Children in the United States; April 2011
- University of Texas Health Science Center: New Analysis Suggests ‘Diet Soda Paradox’ – Less Sugar, More Weight; June 2005
- MayoClinic.com: Soda Consumption Linked to Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Other Health Concerns; August 2010
- “Acta Diabetologica”; Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption is Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factor Profile in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes; Bortsov, A. V., et al.; January 2011
- Kids Eat Right; the Inside Scoop on Artificial Sweeteners; Karen Ansel
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