Even modest caffeine intake from soda may affect teen brain development and mood
A UK study links drinking as little as two cans of caffeinated soft drinks a week to subtle brain changes and higher anxiety or depression risk in children.
Using pre-existing data from the US-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, scientists from King's College London examined caffeine intake among 9,600 children aged nine to 11, including coffee, tea and soft drinks. Brain scans revealed that participants who drank as little as one caffeinated beverage per one outlet had modest reductions in cortical surface area in regions responsible for memory and problem-solving.
Six and 18 months after the initial assessment, higher caffeine consumers reported shorter sleep duration and increased signs of anxiety and depression. The researchers note that existing UK regulations, which ban high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s, do not apply to popular sodas like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper or Mountain Dew. While the study cannot prove causation, it highlights caffeine’s potential role in sleep disruption and mental-health outcomes, prompting calls for broader regulation.
Why it matters
It shows that everyday soft drinks may subtly impact children’s brain growth and mental health, suggesting a need for tighter caffeine guidelines.
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