The Dangers in Letting Kids Drink Soda
Some parents may choose to limit their children’s beverage options to water and milk, while others allow their little ones to enjoy the occasional soft drink alongside a Happy Meal or during a trip to the movies. But is it really a good idea to let kids have soda on a regular basis? New research suggests that it might not be.
A recent study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Substance Use & Misuse and conducted by researchers at Seoul National University in Korea, found that children aged 9 and 10 who reported drinking a caffeinated soda every day were twice as likely to report sipping alcohol a year later.
The study also concluded that those who drink caffeinated soda daily were more impulsive and had worse memories. The report’s lead author, Mina Kwon, explained that the substances contained in caffeinated soda, such as caffeine and sugar, could have a toxicological effect on the brain, making the individual more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of harder drugs like alcohol.
Dr. Woo-Young Ahn, also of Seoul National University, emphasized the importance of developing evidence-based recommendations for caffeinated soda consumption in minors. There is no consensus on a safe dose of caffeine in children, and some children might be more vulnerable to adverse effects associated with frequent caffeine consumption than others.
The study is the latest to link soda drinking to negative health outcomes. A separate study published in the journal Pediatrics found that kids who drink soda regularly are more likely to have obesity.
So, what do experts think about all this? Dr. Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., says that it’s not surprising, as soda has a huge amount of calories and is often consumed like water by kids and teenagers. Dr. Tracy Zaslow, a pediatrician and pediatric sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, believes that water is the best beverage for kids and adults. Both experts agree that it’s okay for kids to have soda once in a while, but it should not be a regular occurrence.
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that parents should think twice before allowing their children to drink soda on a daily basis. While an occasional soda might not be a problem, regular consumption could have serious health implications, including obesity, poor memory, impulsive behavior, and an increased risk of alcohol consumption.
