Researchers: Choosing Soda Could Be Bad for Kids’ Bone Health
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Aleksandar-Pal Sakala/iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Researchers say soda may cause problems for children’s bone health, particularly if it leads to children drinking less milk.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, points to the importance of calcium in children, and notes that choosing soda over beverages containing calcium is one route that could lead to poor bone health. Past research has also noted that the phosphate in sodas can bind with calcium, preventing its use in strengthening bones.
The researchers say that nearly 25 percent of high school students drink some kind of soda daily. That drink selection can put children at risk of weaker bones as they age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines, recommending that children avoid carbonated beverages.
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