Soda raises teens’ Blood Pressure

By Deirdre Shevlin Bell

With high blood pressure on the rise among teens and adolescents, researchers are looking for links to diet. One study found that teenagers—especially black teenagers—who consume more caffeine have higher blood pressure. Black teens who consumed more than 100 mg of caffeine a day (roughly equivalent to four sodas) had systolic blood pressure levels six points higher than white teens who consumed the same amount. Moreover, the systolic blood pressure levels in the four-sodas-or-more group neared hypertensive levels. Hypertension is a serious health concern that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and kidney and eye damage, among other ailments.

The authors of the study note that the difference in blood pressure may be caused by a combination of factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and genetics. But considering all the health problems related to sugary, caffeine-filled sodas, teens would do well to take a pass on the pop.