Food Dyes Linked to ADHD in Kids: Another reason why soda isn't a great choice for kids or families.

BY: Tara Mardigan, MS, MPH, RD
Senior Clinical Nutritionist
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA

The statistics are alarming. Obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the past two decades1. Obese children are now plagued with serious risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some kids are developing Type 2 diabetes, formally known as “adult onset” diabetes.2

These dangerous health problems can be prevented. Although childhood obesity has many potential causes, overconsumption of calories from high calorie liquids is one place to look when making changes.3 It is very easy for kids to suck back a large amount of calories from liquids—in particular, soda, sports drinks, fruit drinks and large quantities of juice. What’s more, studies show that children who consume soft drinks on a regular basis, consume more overall calories.3 Drinking soda can also displace healthier foods from a kid’s overall eating pattern.

Parents should be aware of what their kids are drinking each day. In addition to large amounts of sugar and corn syrup, sodas also contain acids and caffeine, both of which may affect calcium absorption.4 Artificial colorings, especially Yellow No. 5, have been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, hives, asthma and other allergic reactions.4 Sugar free versions may save calories, but contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium which come with limited scientific data on their long-term safety. Sports drinks do offer some beneficial electrolytes, but usually hidden behind a hefty amount of sugar. Parents should look for lower calorie options ideally with a balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium) to help keep active kids hydrated without excess sugar.

As a dietitian, I don’t like to categorize foods/drinks as “good” or “bad”. Instead, I tend to look at foods/drinks in terms of choices. Of course kids should be able to enjoy a soda every now and then. The problem occurs when soda becomes a daily beverage choice, especially when there are tasty, more healthful options available.

1 Ogden C. et al. “Prevalence and Trends in Overweight among US Children and Adolescents, 1999-2000.” Journal of the American Medical Association 2002, vol. 288, p. 1728-1732. 2 Freedman, D. et al “The Relation of Overweight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among children and adolescents: The Bogalusa Heart Study.” Pediatrics 1999, vol. 103, p. 1175-1182. 3 Harnack L, et al. “Soft drink consumption among US Schoolchildren and Adolescents: Nutritional Consequences.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1999, vol. 99, p. 436-441. 4 Jacobson, M. Liquid Candy: How Soft Drinks Are Harming Americans’ Health. Center for Science in the Public Interest (available on website www.cspi.net)