Soda might seem like a harmless treat for children, especially during birthdays, outings or Sunday lunch. But health experts are saying it may not be as innocent as many believe.
Some parents feel that a little of these touted drinks won’t hurt, especially if it’s not taken every day. Others offer “sugar-free” or “diet” versions as a safer option. However, doctors have warned that both types can have a long-term impact on a child’s health.
A paediatrician and parenting coach at Goodwill Children’s Clinic, Dr Sayed Husain, explained why carbonated drinks are not good for young children.
He said, “Carbonated drinks like Coke, Pepsi, and similar sodas can harm children’s health by leading to issues such as gastritis, hyperactivity, and loss of appetite. These effects can disrupt their physical and mental development, which is why it’s best to avoid giving them such drinks at least until the age of 10. Even beyond that, it’s not advisable. As adults, we should also limit our consumption.”
Besides sugar, many fizzy drinks are made with sweeteners such as sucralose, stevia, saccharin, and aspartame. These are often found in drinks labelled as “sugar-free,” “zero,” or “diet.” They are also present in some fruit drinks and flavoured water sold in supermarkets.
According to international nutrition experts, these sweeteners are not suitable for children, especially those below five years. They may help people with obesity reduce their sugar intake in the short term, but they are not meant for growing bodies.
The World Health Organisation has advised that sweeteners should not be used as a long-term solution for weight control.
Some studies have even suggested possible links between sweeteners and health conditions like diabetes, although more research is still ongoing.
Doctors recommend teaching children to drink water and natural liquids from an early age. Allowing them to rely on sweet or fizzy drinks may affect their taste preferences.
Over time, they may start rejecting healthy meals or fruits because they are no longer used to natural flavours.
Parents are encouraged to offer fresh juice with no added sugar, water, or traditional Nigerian drinks like zobo or kunu, when prepared safely.
Reading product labels is also important. Some fruit drinks and yoghurts contain hidden sweeteners, such as acesulfame K and erythritol. These ingredients may not be immediately apparent, but they are not suitable for children.
Experts say children should not grow up seeing soda as a normal drink. They should not associate it with rewards, celebrations, or daily routines. Families should establish clear boundaries and incorporate healthy drinks into everyday life.
When parents make better choices, such as drinking water, children follow that example. Small changes at home can help prevent bigger health problems in the future.
So the next time your child reaches for a bottle of soda, think again. A glass of water or homemade juice can be a better gift for their growing body.
