New research suggests drinking even one soda per day may be associated with increased negative behavior in young children.

A cohort study of almost 3,000 5-year-olds showed those that drank 1 to 4 servings of soda per day had significantly higher aggressive measurement scores than peers who drank no soda.

Those who consumed two or more servings had higher withdrawn behavior scores, and those who consumed four or more servings had higher attention problem scores.

“We were seeing a dose-response effect. So with every increase in soda consumption, the association and the scores basically increased,” lead author Shakira Suglia, ScD, assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City, said in a press release.

Although investigators suggest future studies should explore more potential mechanisms that might explain these associations, Dr. Suglia noted that past research has shown that even one soda per day is too many for young children.

“Certainly water or milk is more nutritious and a better alternative,” Suglia said. “Our advice is consistent with what is already out there.”

The study was published online in Journal of Pediatrics Aug. 15.

According to researchers, more soda per capita is sold in the United States than any other country.

Information courtesy of Dr. Don Hodson, Marion Family Physicians.