Popularity of Soft Drinks: Colored versus Non-Colored and risks associated with their prolonged usea

Abstract

Objective: The current study was conducted to evaluate the rate of consumption of cold drinks, preference of colored versus non-colored drinks among youth, effects produced by these drinks in youth and reason of consumption. With passing years, the consumption of cold drinks in youth has shown high increase. This high rate of consumption of carbonated soft drink may lead to different disease conditions like anemia, bones weakness as well as unexpected increase in blood sugar level and body weight.

Methodology: It is survey based study carried on young generation N= 200 age 15-25 years both male and female from different colleges and universities in Karachi. The survey consisted of 10 questions, the answers were recorded as open and close ended. The experimental study was carried out on 5 groups comprising of 6 Rabbits each weighing 1-2.5 kg. Blood sugar levels were tested before administration of cold drink and 2 hours after administration of drink.

Result: From our data we found that 90% of younger generation consumes soft drinks.  The frequency of consumption was 51% daily. Black colored drink is most preferred (39%) among different brands and white soft drink is liked by 28% youth. 62% of youth prefer colored drinks. Black drink had the highest sugar content, followed by green, orange and white. Our experimental study showed highly significant (p<0.001) increase in blood glucose levels in animals given black colored drink.

Conclusion: Youth are addicted to cold drinks and they preferred colored cold drink over non-colored which can lead to different health problems.