Soft Drinks, or Hard Bones
Americans are notorious consumers of soft drinks, guzzling more than 54.5 gallons per person each year, according to the National Soft Drink Association. But teenage girls should think twice before swallowing another can of their favorite soda: Soft drinks may make their bones more susceptible to breaking, according a study published in the June 2000 Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.
The study, which involved 460 teenage girls, two thirds of whom drink soft drinks regularly, revealed that girls who consume carbonated beverages are three times more likely to suffer a bone fracture than their soda-free peers. For physically active girls, the odds are even higher — their chances of bone fracture are increased five times by drinking soda.
Anti-Calcium Cola?
A seemingly innocuous soda actually triggers a complex chemical reaction in your body. The researchers believe the phosphoric acid content of cola alters the way calcium is metabolized, both preventing the skeleton from absorbing calcium, and causing calcium to be leached out of bones. The study’s researchers speculate that this, in conjunction with a 40 percent decrease in teenagers’ milk consumption, may be the cause of decreased bone density and increased risk of fracture.
According to an editorial about the study published in the same issue, adolescence is the most critical period for women in their development of peak bone mass. Any interference with bone development substantially increases their likelihood of osteoporosis later in life.
This new information leaves teens with a decision that may seem easier than it is in today’s soda-fueled society: tasty drink today or healthy bones tomorrow.