Originally published January 15 2006
Experts point the finger at sugary beverages for children's poor bone health
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Many health experts, including Lillian Castillo, a registered dietitian and public health nutritionist for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, believe that the increasing popularity of sugary beverages, which often substitute for healthier drinks that offer calcium and its protections, are the reason behind the increase in broken bones during childhood.
"He's a kid, you know, they like junk food - the cakes and candies and stuff," said Kathy Flores, Ryan's mother and a Gilroy resident.
"But I only allow him one small treat a day, and no soda or fast food."
Although Flores tries to make sure Ryan's lunchbox is filled with a balanced meal each day, some parents let too much soda and junk food slip into their children's diets.
A new study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that more kids today are breaking bones than they did 20 years ago.
Part of what's to blame for the increase is that through the past several years, sugary foods - primarily soda - have become more readily available to children, in bigger portions and for less money, said Lillian Castillo, a registered dietitian public health nutritionist for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.
For many kids, soda has replaced calcium-rich beverages such as milk and fortified orange juice, and in some cases, soda has even become a substitute for healthy food, Castillo said.
"Along with all this soda, kids aren't drinking enough milk, and they're not eating foods rich in calcium," Castillo said.
The National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference on Osteoporosis recommend children ages 1 to 10 get 800 milligrams a day, and teenagers and young adults ages 11 to 24 get 1,200 milligrams.
The caffeine in soda acts as a diuretic that causes the child to lose nutrients from calcium-rich foods and drinks, which Castillo said are the best way to get nutrients - not supplements.
The mother should make sure she has enough calcium in her diet during pregnancy, as this may protect her bone mass while also meeting the needs of the fetus.
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