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These days, it's pretty standard for folks to crack open a soda can and enjoy a good drink. Whether at a barbeque, in an airport, or even while eating a home-cooked meal, many people like to consume various sodas.

Of course, one issue with sodas is the health aspect. Because these drinks tend to be packed with lots of sugars and sweeteners, ingesting them in moderation is generally advisable.

Yet, there may be greater problems with sodas beyond their lack of nutritious value and high volume of sugar. Breaking news now reveals that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears set to slap a ban on one common ingredient found in these beverages.

Here's what's going on

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is typically used to keep the flavors of sodas evenly distributed, rather than having them rise to the top of the drink. Without BVO, sodas wouldn't be as favored as they are today.

However, in the aftermath of California banning this ingredient just last month, the FDA may follow suit. California's decision arrived after scientific research connected BVO to thyroid problems and excessive bromine accumulation.

An official with the FDA has already spoken out about the matter. According to Human Foods Deputy Commissioner James Jones, BVO is not a safe ingredient for individuals to consume.

Jones also warned that people's health potentially lies in the balance, following the investigation of the FDA in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Other officials have spoken favorably of the FDA's review of BVO and reports that a ban may soon be coming down the pipeline.

Healthier alternatives

As California drops the hammer on BVO, the state also announced it's studying other ingredients in sodas that could be potentially harmful.

Of course, far healthier alternatives exist for people craving beverages with their meals and snacks. Water, sparkling water, smoothies, and fruit juices are each more nutritious than sodas.

Going forward, Americans should stay tuned for word of an FDA ban against BVO. Likewise, staying up to speed on the studies into other commonly used ingredients might not be such a bad idea.