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Soft drinks and juices are very popular to all kinds of people. Especially children like to drink different kinds of soft drinks. In Bangladesh, most teenagers prefer soft drinks, energy drinks and juices. When consumed normally, soft drinks are safe for both children and adults and pose no risk to health. However, most of the soft drinks have low pH which is harmful for body if taken in excess. Stomach disorders e.g. indigestion, nausea, gas, gastric reflux etc. are symptoms that are caused by excess acidity in the gastric region. Frequent consumption of soft drinks may cause osteoporosis and increase the risk of kidney problems i.e. kidney stone formation. Over consumption of fructose, particularly in the form of soft drinks, leads to an increase in blood pressure. Soft drink consumption is a strong predictor of heartburn. Many different forms of arthritis are the result of acid accumulation from the blood into the joints and wrists. Soft drinks are responsible for doubling or tripling the incidence of tooth decay. Our study determined the pH levels of commonly available soft drinks and juices in Bangladeshi market and found out the different harmful health hazards.
About the author
Abdullah Al Maruf, Senior Lecturer (on study leave), Department of Pharmacy, East West University completed Bachelor of Pharmacy and Master of Pharmacy from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mr. Maruf is currently pursuing his Ph.D. on Toxicology in University of Toronto, Canada under prestigious Connaught International Scholarship.
