American Journal of Public Health, 2006. Oct;96(10):1815-20
The authors surveyed almost 5,500 students in 10th grade to see how many sugar-containing soft drinks they consumed per day and to assess their mental health and conduct.
AUTHORS’ CONCLUSIONS: “High consumption levels of sugar-containing soft drinks were associated with mental health problems among adolescents even after adjustment for possible confounders.”
NOTE: While it may be tempting to blame the sugar (or high fructose corn syrup) in the sodas, one must remember that sodas have many other chemical components. Consider the combination of synthetic coloring, flavoring, and sodium benzoate as suggested culprits. Or does the can itself contain aluminum or other chemical that may leach into the soda and be consumed?