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AAP Policy on Soft Drinks

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You may be aware of efforts across the country to eliminate the availability of carbonated soft drinks in schools. Parents and others often cite increased tooth decay and weight gains in their children as reasons for opposing the sale and consumption of soft drinks in schools. Additionally, healthy alternatives to soft drinks such as chocolate milk, juices, and juice blends are being recommended for sale at schools to replace soda.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has responded to the growing national concern over soft drink consumption by young children and adolescents by drafting a new policy. The AAP policy states that:

• Pediatricians should work to eliminate sweetened drinks in schools by educating school authorities, patients, and patients' parents about the health ramifications of soft drink consumption.
• Pediatricians should advocate for the creation of a school nutrition advisory council comprising parents, community and school officials, food service representatives, physicians, school nurses, dietitians, dentists, and other health professionals.
  

The AAP also recommends that:

• School districts invite public discussion before making any decision to create a vended food or drink contract.
• School districts should not promote over-consumption of soda by students within existing soft drink contracts (e.g., soft drinks should not be sold as part of or in competition with school lunch programs).

The AAP has cited the following health problems associated with high intake of sweetened drinks: (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.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics' web site at www.aap.org

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