The Connection Between Sugary Soft Drinks and Mental Health Problems

A Norwegian study has shown that teens who drink the largest quantities of sugary soft drinks also have more mental health problems, including hyperactivity and distress.

More than 5,000 Norwegian 15- and 16-year-olds were surveyed regarding their soft drink habits, and then given a standard mental health questionnaire.

There was a clear association between soft drinks and hyperactivity, and additional links to other mental disorders.

Most of the teens drank between one and six soft drinks each week. Teens who skipped breakfast and lunch tended to consume more soft drinks than others. The worst mental health problems were seen in the 10 percent of boys and 2 percent of girls who drank four or more soft drinks a day.

American Journal of Public Health
October 2006; 96(10): 1815-1820

Yahoo News
September 28, 2006