Benefits of Limiting Soft Drinks in Schools Questioned

CHICAGO─Limiting the availability of soft drinks at school may not be enough to affect overall consumption among elementary school children, according to research published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Researchers found limiting soft drink availability at school is associated with a 4 percent decrease in overall consumption; 26 percent of children who have access to soft drinks at school drink them; and low-income and black non-Hispanic children consume more soft drinks at school and more soft drinks overall.

“Greater reductions in children’s consumption of soft drinks will require policy changes that go beyond food availability at school. Such polices may include zoning regulations on food outlet types in residential or school areas and promotion of more healthful substitutes such as milk and fruit juice,” researchers said.