The Effect of Soft Drinks on Children

The National Soft Drink Association estimates that the average American drinks 600 12-ounce servings of soft drinks or sodas every year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that by age 8, about 56 percent of children are drinking soft drinks every day. Children represent one of the largest consumer brackets for soft drink and soda companies. The prominence of soda in children's diets has consequences for both mental and physical well-being. A diet high in soda consumption contributes to the rising numbers of childhood obesity. Many schools and towns have instituted policies to curb the consumption of soda by students during school hours.

History

• The first documented carbonated beverage appeared around 1265 in England. The drink was made from dandelion and burdock that was fermented and therefore naturally carbonated. Soft drinks made from lemon, honey and other herbs were sold in the United States as early as the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Soda water was introduced in 1806, and the introduction of the automated glass bottler in 1899 increased the rate at which soft drinks were developed and sold. Coca Cola was first produced as a medicinal drink but was popularized in the 1930s as a regular beverage. Early advertisements from that time include encouraging mothers to feed their children soda from a bottle.

Expert Insight

• The USDA reports that 33 percent of teenage boys drink 36 oz. or more of carbonated drinks per day. Eleven percent of the daily caloric intake for the average teenager comes from calories in carbonated drinks. The average serving size of a soft drink has increased from 6 oz. in 1960 to 20 oz. in 1999. Most sodas contain between 30 and 40 mg of caffeine, which is a normal dose for an adult but a large dose for a child, especially at the high quantities children are drinking.

Effects

• Teens who drink soda typically drink less of other beverages like milk or water, resulting in calcium deficiencies that can lead to permanent bone density loss. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 13 percent of 6- to 11-year-olds and 14 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds are overweight, according to their body mass index. Researchers believe that the increase in soft drink consumption is a major contributing factor to the increase in rates of childhood obesity. Soft drinks also contribute to hyperactivity because of large amounts of caffeine. The sugar content of soft drinks erodes tooth enamel and can lead to decay.

Significance

• In addition to the immediate health effects, consistent consumption of soft drinks by children can create unhealthy eating patterns that continue into adulthood. Studies by the USDA found that children who consume soda increase their consumption into adulthood. Loss of bone density due to lack of calcium in teenagers can lead to osteoporosis in adulthood as well. Obesity has been linked to a number of serious health risks including heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Prevention/Solution

• The USDA enacted regulations that require schools to provide and sell foods that meet minimal nutritional standards. Many local and state districts have also passed regulations and legislation limiting the sale of soft drinks in vending machines. Sample regulations include limiting student access to vending machines to after-school hours, removing soft drink machines from lunch rooms or allowing access to vending machines only during the 30 minutes before or after lunch.