2004/01/01 · 2 citations
Medicine · Health Professions · #Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet #Obesity and Health Practices #Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
paper · doi:10.1542/peds.113.1.152
openalex publication_date 2004/01/01 · openalex created_date 2022/05/12 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/09
This statement is intended to inform pediatricians and other health care professionals, parents, superintendents, and school board members about nutritional concerns regarding soft drink consumption in schools. Potential health problems associated with high intake of sweetened drinks are 1) overweight or obesity attributable to additional calories in the diet; 2) displacement of milk consumption, resulting in calcium deficiency with an attendant risk of osteoporosis and fractures; and 3) dental caries and potential enamel erosion. Contracts with school districts for exclusive soft drink rights encourage consumption directly and indirectly. School officials and parents need to become well informed about the health implications of vended drinks in school before making a decision about student access to them. A clearly defined, district-wide policy that restricts the sale of soft drinks will safeguard against health problems as a result of overconsumption.