Effects of Consumption of Soft Drinks on Growth and Development of Young Children During Summer

Objective To evaluate consumption of soft drinks during the summer and its effects on growth parameters among young children.Methods Parents of 452 young children aged 12-36 months were given detailed instruction in how to complete questionnaires to obtain data regarding mean daily intakes of mild and other soft drinks consumed by their children.The differences in growth parameters among groups(grouped by consumption of milk and other soft drinks respectively)and the changes in those parameters from spring to autumn were observed to determine appropriate consumption of milk and other drinks for young children.Results About 49.6% and 55.8% of young children consumed less than 200ml/day of mild and other soft drinks respectively.Increments of weight and height were the greatest,the prevalence of low weight and short children was the lowest in autumn among the children consumed 400-600ml/day of milk.The children who consumed 200-400ml/day of other soft drinks had perfect increments and the developmental levels of weight and height.The children's stature was getting stronger and their chest development was better with the increased consumption of milk,their stature and chest devlopment were better when they consumed 200-400ml/day of other drinks.Conclusion According to the results presented above,400-600ml/day of milk and 200-400ml/day of other soft drinks were recommended for young children aged 12-36 months during the summer.