Looking for one more reason to keep soda out of the fridge? A recent study published in Substance Use & Misuse suggests that children who consume caffeinated soda every day may be at a higher risk of developing future addictions. The study, which involved 2,000 children ages 9 and 10, found that regular soda consumption was linked to impaired impulse control and memory, potentially leading to substance abuse issues in the future, as reported by the Messenger. Children who consumed sugary, caffeinated sodas were also twice as likely to report having tried alcohol during follow-up interviews the next year. Cognitive tests during the study showed reduced brain activity in the anterior cingulate cortex region, similar to patterns seen in kids with ADHD and individuals with substance abuse disorders.
These cognitive tests involved participants carrying out a series of tasks while their brain activity was monitored, according to Neuroscience News. Researchers noted that children who regularly drank soda also demonstrated lower brain activity in the inferior frontal gyrus, which is linked to reduced memory capacity. Lead author Mina Kwon of Seoul National University stated, “Our findings suggest that daily consumption of caffeinated soda in children is predictive of substance use in the near future. One possible explanation is that the substances contained in caffeinated soda (caffeine and sugar) could induce a toxicological effect on the brain, making the individual more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of harder drugs like alcohol.”
While the association between consuming sugary and energy drinks and future substance use has been established in teenagers and young adults, this study is the first to propose a similar connection among young children. In the United States, a 2017 study found that 30% of children drink at least two sugary drinks daily, according to CNN, constituting 10% of their daily caloric intake. (The FDA is considering banning a controversial ingredient from soda.)
