Scientists have discovered that young children that consume soft drinks have problems with aggression, attention problem and withdrawal behavior. Soda has long been linked with aggression, depression and suicidal thoughts in adolescents.

STUDY:

Researchers assessed approximately 3,000 5-year-old children enrolled in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. 43 percent of the children consumed at least one serving of soft drinks every day. Another four percent consumed four or more. In addition, the researchers found that aggression, withdrawal and attention problems were associated with soda consumption.

Scientists found that those who drank four or more soft drinks per day were twice as likely to destroy things belonging to others, get into fights and physically attack people. These children also had increased attention problems and withdrawal behavior when compared to those who didn’t drink soda.

TAKEAWAY:

The nature of the association between soda and behavior problems is unclear but it does show that there is an effect. Think again. Is your child’s behavior and mental health more important or is drinking Soda. If you want him/her to stop Sodas, stop drinking it yourself before you advocate to your child.

Source: The Journal of Pediatrics