New Study Reveals Caffeinated Soda Linked to Alcohol Consumption in Kids
A new study from Seoul National University has found a concerning link between daily caffeinated soda consumption in children and the likelihood of them trying alcohol within a year. The study examined data from over 2,000 U.S. children aged 9 and 10 and discovered that those who reported drinking a caffeinated soda each day were twice as likely to report sipping alcohol a year later.
Lead author Mina Kwon said, “Our findings suggest that daily consumption of caffeinated soda in children is predictive of substance use in the near future.”
What the Experts Say
Dr. Danelle Fisher, pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, explains, “Soda has such a huge amount of calories and, while it’s not meant to be consumed as a regular drink, some people —including teenagers and kids — drink it like water.”
Added sugar in soda leads to insulin resistance, which can cause cells to respond poorly to insulin. It has a direct impact on hormone signaling like insulin, as well as fat regulation.
Soda’s long-term effects concern many experts. From leading to poor blood sugar control that can cause diabetes to its impact on tooth health, soda presents multiple health risks.
“The potential impact of soda goes beyond just taking in extra calories. The calories are really all coming from fructose. So not only is it a large number of calories in a small volume, but fructose, along with other simple sugars, has a direct impact on hormone signaling like insulin, as well as fat regulation,” says Dr. Hanna Jaworski, division chief of pediatrics at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Experts suggest that parents treat soda like a dessert or a special occasion thing, rather than banning their kids from having it altogether.
These findings underscore the need for parents and caregivers to be mindful of children’s beverage consumption and to prioritize healthier drink options for overall better health.
