Carbonated Drinks and Its Effect on Health

INTRODUCTION

A carbonated beverage is a mixture of Phosphoric acid, sugar, caffeine, colouring and flavouring agents. The active ingredient in these beverages is phosphoric acid, with an acidic pH generally less than three, which is same as acetic acid. However, it doesn’t taste like acid as manufacturers add large quantities of sugar. High amount of phosphoric acid is added to keep the water sterile as no bacteria can live in such acidic conditions.¹

In recent years, soft drinks have become increasingly available in the market, with a surge in their usage, especially among young people and children.2 This has resulted in a major concern considering their health implications. The increasing incidence of obesity and type II diabetes among children is mostly associated with the consumption of excessive amount of sugar present in these beverages.³ It is also associated with increased risk of bone fractures or osteoporosis, probably because of decreased calcium absorption due to the presence of phosphorus in these drinks. Moreover, the intake of dairy products is reduced by soft drink consumption, which has an impact on bone mineral density.⁴

Definition of carbonated beverage/ Soft Drink

A non-alcoholic, flavoured, carbonated beverage usually prepared and sold in bottles and cans.

It is a beverage that typically contains carbonated water, sweetener and flavouring.

Effects of soft drinks / carbonated drinks

Ill effects on dental health

1. Dental Decay:-

                         Sugar Presence of naturally occurring bacteria in mouths 

                                                                     ↓

                                              These bacteria feed on sugar

                                                                     ↓

                                             Producing acids as by-product 

                                                                     ↓

                                                           Dental decay 5

2. Tooth Erosion:- Acid

                                                    Acid in soft drinks 

                                                                   ↓

                                        Acid dissolves the hard tissues of the tooth 

                                                                   ↓

In its early stages, it strips away the surface layers of tooth enamel. In advanced stages, it can expose the softer dentine that underlies tooth enamel, or even the central pulp of the tooth ⁵

Other ill effects 

• Obesity 
• Asthma 
• Heart diseases 
• Kidney diseases 
• Reproductive issues 
• Type II DM 
• Hypocalcaemia and osteoporosis in later life. 
• Decreases bone mineral density⁶

PREVENTION 

• Reduction of sugar consumption: World Health Organization has recommended to limit the daily intake of sugars to just 5% of total calories which is equivalent to 6 teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar per day.8 The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that the daily intake of sugar should be 25 grams for women, 38 grams for men, and 12 grams for children.⁹
•  Limit the drinking of carbonated drinks
• Tooth brushing at least twice a day, using fluoride or remineralizing toothpaste. Use a small-headed brush with medium to soft bristles⁵ 
• Improving the drinking habit: water, Milk.⁵ 
• Drink quickly, without holding the drink in mouth Or use a straw to help drinks go to the back of mouth and avoid long contact with teeth.⁵ 
• Wait for at least one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing teeth. This gives teeth time to build up their mineral content again.

Role of Nurse As obesity is more common in children, school health nurse or public health nurse must take initiative to conduct school based programme to reduce carbonated drink consumption among school children which may further help in prevention of obesity and problems of tooth decay.

CONCLUSION

Numerous studies have shown the negative health effects of drinking soda on waistline and teeth. Drinking soda however, has far more health risks than many of us may realize. Regular consumption of sugary drinks is linked to numerous health problems including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD and obesity.