The Health Risks of Colas and Other Carbonated Beverages

A soft drink may taste sweet, but the health effects aren't so tasty. Here are four dangers of drinking soft drinks.

It can be satisfying to pop off the metal tab and taste the sweet carbonated liquid, but soft drinks also have a decidedly sour side when it comes to health. These carbonated beverages owe their popularity to clever marketing by such beverage giants as Coca-Cola and Pepsi who reinforce the message that drinking their product is “cool”. Children and teens are picking up on this message and developing a life long love of all things “cola”. What are the dangers of soft drinks and why are they best kept away from children and teens?
Dangers of soft drinks: High fructose corn syrup

Unless it’s sugar-free, most soft drinks contain high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener that’s recently come under considerable scrutiny. High fructose corn syrup has been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with an elevated risk of both diabetes and heart disease. HFCS, as it’s called, is also believed to be a major contributor to the obesity epidemic among children and teens. Although similar in calorie content to table sugar, the danger of high fructose corn syrup arises from the way it’s is metabolized by the liver. By being broken down more rapidly than other sugars, it can lead to alterations in triglyceride and lipid metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease and fatty liver, not to mention diabetes. Although the soft drink industry has tried to underplay the risks, evidence supporting the dangers of high fructose corn syrup is mounting.
The Problem of Phosphoric Acid

Most people are aware of the dangers of high fructose corn syrup, but fewer realize the impact soft drinks have on bone health. Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and a high phosphate diet has been associated with bone breakdown and an increased risk of osteoporosis. When phosphorus is excreted in the urine, it takes calcium with it, depriving the bones and the rest of the body of this important mineral.

Who Needs the Caffeine?

How many kids and teenagers really need more caffeine? Although soft drinks contain less caffeine than coffee or energy drinks, they still contribute to caffeine dependence and increase the risk of behavioral problems and hyperactivity, not to mention poor sleep habits and insomnia.
BPA: Another Little Known Danger of Soft Drinks

Soft drink cans are coated with a resin that contains BPA (bisphenyl-A). This is the same cancer causing chemical found in plastic baby bottles, water bottles, and plastic containers that wrecks havoc on the endocrine system, potentially causing premature puberty and reproductive abnormalities. Soft drinks could be a particular problem when it comes to BPA leaching. They’re often stored in hot warehouses where heat can accelerate the contamination process. Plus, the drink itself is acidic which could further facilitate leaching of BPA into the drink.

The bottom line? Consider the dangers of soft drinks before stocking up on beverages and consider healthier alternatives such as herbal tea or water sweetened with lemon. You’ll be setting a good example for your kids as well as doing good things for yourself.


First published Jul 7, 2009 Kristie Leong

References:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 74 (3): 343-347.