Despite their lack of nutritional value, the popularity of soft drinks has never been better, outstripping the growth of nutritional drinks, especially in children and adolescents. With that in mind, researchers polled children, ranging in age from 8 to 13, about their soft drink habits, including factors that influenced their use.

The survey found parents were the role models for their kids' eating habits, even more so than their peers. The numbers really tell the story:

• Almost one-third of the children surveyed drank soft drinks daily and most drink "regular," not "diet," drinks

• Consumption was greater among boys than girls and their intake increased as they got older

• Virtually all of the respondents liked or "strongly liked" the taste of soft drinks. The "strongly liked" group was almost five times more likely to have soft drinks at least five times a week

• A child's odds of having a soft drink daily almost doubled if they watched at least 3.5 hours of TV

• Soft drinks are far more likely to be consumed when they're available in homes and schools

• Parents who regularly drink sodas may indeed relax rules and restrictions for their kids

Parents would be well served if they monitored their kids' soft drink consumption so they aren't crowding out water and other nutritional drinks.

Journal of the American Dietetic Association August 2004;104(8):1249-50

EurekAlert July 30, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

If you care about your health and that of your family, one of the best things you could do is to stop drinking sodas. One can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, and is loaded with artificial food colors and sulphites. I can't think of any good reason to ever have it. The diet varieties are also problematic as they are filled with harmful artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Studies have linked soda to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay and heart disease, yet the average American drinks an estimated 56 gallons of soft drinks each year. Plus, drinking all that sugar will likely suppress your appetite for healthy foods, which paves the way for nutrient deficiencies. If drinking sodas has become a routine, think again. Eliminating it from your diet is one of the simplest and best health improvements you could make. If you're struggling to make this healthy change, consider reviewing my free Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) manual that will help you better focus on your health. Related Articles: Infants Eating Fries and Drinking Soft Drinks The Five Absolute Worst Foods You Can Eat The Real Dangers of Soda to You and Your Children The Amazing Statistics and Dangers of Soda Pop Each Daily Soda Increases Obesity Risk 60%