The Dangerous Link Between Soda and Underage Drinking
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Neuroscience News
A study involving over 2,000 children aged nine to ten suggests a potential link between daily consumption of caffeinated soda and an increased likelihood of alcohol use. The study found that children who reported drinking soda daily were twice as likely to have sipped alcohol a year later. These daily soda drinkers also exhibited higher impulsivity and poorer working memory, which are recognized risk factors for substance use disorders. Brain imaging showed reduced activity in regions associated with impulse control and working memory in regular soda drinkers. The findings highlight the association between soda consumption, neurobehavioral factors, and the risk of substance use in children.