In the 'Symptoms - Food - Beverages' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about caffeinated soft drink consumption:
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Do you consume soft drinks containing caffeine? (Most soft drinks do contain caffeine. If unsure about those that you drink, answer this question assuming that they contain it.)
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Never / rarely / don't know" |
Low caffeinated soda consumption |
A risk factor |
| 2. |
"About once a week or less" |
Low caffeinated soda consumption |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"2-6 times each week" |
Caffeinated soda consumption |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"1-4 times each day" |
Caffeinated soda consumption |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"More than 4 drinks each day" |
High caffeinated soda consumption |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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4 |
5 |
Caffeine Intoxication |
-- |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Consequences of Poor Diet |
-- |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Dehydration |
-- |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Magnesium Requirement |
-- |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Osteoporosis - Osteopenia |
Regular consumption of caffeinated carbonated beverages has been associated with increased risk of bone fracture both earlier and later in life, yet the contributions of the individual components of these beverages to calcium loss is unclear. The per capita consumption of carbonated beverages has risen dramatically, making them the preferred beverage of women 20-40 years old, many of whom already have an inadequate daily intake of calcium.
The effect of caffeinated and noncaffeinated beverages on urinary calcium excretion was measured in a group of 30 women with an average age of 31 years. The subjects habitually drank from two to seven 12-ounce cans of carbonated beverages daily; 27 drank predominantly colas.
Though the caffeine in the drinks was primarily responsible for excess calcium excretion, previous studies of the effect of caffeine have shown a compensatory drop in calcium excretion over the 24-hour period following ingestion. The fact that the small calcium loss from carbonated beverages was offset by reduced excretion later in the day, and the habituation of the subjects to frequent consumption, lead the authors to conclude that the main cause of calcium loss from carbonated beverages was their lack of nutrients needed for bone health. [Heaney, Rafferty; Am. J of Clin. Nutr., August 2001] |
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GLOSSARY
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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