As teens have started drinking more soda, they've decreased the amount of milk they drink. A decrease in milk translates into a lower intake of calcium and a higher risk of osteoporosis, a chronic condition that causes weak, brittle bones. Refined sugar, found in soda, can cause tooth decay. Caffeine, found in most colas, is a mildly addictive stimulant. In addition, it increases the amount of calcium elminated in the urine.
Soft drinks provide sugar and calories and little else.
A 12-ounce can of regular soda contains 150 calories and 9 to 11 teaspoons of sugar. If children drink soda instead of milk or juice, they miss out on important nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, protein and riboflavin. The empty calories in soft drinks can also lead to obesity. If your child has already developed a habit of drinking too much soda, here are some tips to help you reverse the trend. Lead by example.