I have heard that too much soda may increase the risk of bone fracture in teen girls.  Is this true?

Carbonated beverages, especially colas, may increase the risk of bone fractures in teen girls. A study at Harvard University found that the risk seems to be the highest in girls who are the most active. It appears that the problem may be a combination of the high amount of phosphorus in soda pop with a shortage of calcium in the diet. This combination may create a calcium-phosphorus difference that could make girls more prone to fractures.

Reference: The Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

Brenda Bell, Human Environmental Sciences Specialist, South Central Region, University Outreach & Extension