A questionnaire was given to 460 girls in the 9th and 10th grades, Asking them about their diet and exercise habits, along with any History of fractures. The study results showed that girls who drank soft drinks were more than THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY to have a bone fracture. And physically active girls who drank Cola were nearly FIVE TIMES MORE LIKELY to have had a bone fracture.

Studies have linked mineral loss before to Cola consumption, but Finally some one thought to check out teenager's consumption and how it might affect them.

Between 40% to 60% of peak bone mass is built during the teenage years. Consumption of soft drinks affects both boys and girls. The acidic nature of the phosphoric acid in the drink causes the body to pull calcium out of the bones to buffer the acid.

Many teenagers are very active in sports. Note how much more likely drinkers of the soft drinks were likely to have a bone fracture? Thirty to Fifty percent!! Is your teenager in sports and drinking soft drinks? Colas?

I offer Nutritional work ups and mineral assays, using hair analysis. More teenagers I see in my practice today, than ever before, are not eating many fruits and vegetables. These are needed to provide the minerals to build strong bones. Add to this the consumption of soft drinks and these teenagers are setting themselves up for conditions such as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones have become more porous and therefore more fragile and prone to breaking. It is thought to be a problem for older people, however this study shows that teenagers may be the newest group to suffer.

How does your teenager score in soft drink consumption? How does (s)he score in eating green vegetables, yogurt, cheese, beans, salmon and other things with high calcium/mineral content?

Educate yourself and your teenager about the use of soft drinks and the consequences. Remember, Prevention is the best measure! Help them to understand the importance of eating their fruits and vegetables.

Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. has worked with both people and pet's nutrition for the last 18 years. As a Health Practitioner she shares secrets about what to do about health challenges today. Solutions, Tips, Research, Nutrition and products discussed in the Newsletter Healthy Solutions. To Subscribe visit http://www.health-doc.com