It is on behalf of our members that NSDA submits these comments. NSDA's members produce approximately 95 percent of all soft drink consumed annually in the United States. In addition our members also manufacture, bottle and distribute a variety of other beverages including teas, juices, juices supplemented with calcium, juice drinks and bottled water. NSDA believes that soft drinks can be part of a healthy, balanced diet given the importance of daily fluid consumption and the body's daily need for energy. Obesity is, indeed, a major public health problem in the United States, but obesity is a multifactorial disease with energy balance as one important factor.
Energy balance is the balance between intake and output.
Sugars, both added and natural, provide the same number of calories per gram as other carbohydrates and proteins. However, it is now well established that the etiology of dental caries is multi-factorial, depending on a complex process of factors including the type and form of carbohydrate, the time in the mouth and the amount and action of the saliva, bacteria in plaque, as well as important cariostatic factors such as fluoride and oral hygiene. Most important, however, is that there is a continuing decline in cavities among U.S. children. This is due to a number of factors including fluoridation of water, fluoride toothpaste, use of sealants, proper oral hygiene, periodic checkups and a healthy diet. No scientific evidence has been published since 1995 that refutes this fact.