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Doctors have issued a warning about excessive cola consumption after noticing an increase in the number of patients suffering from muscle problems, according to the June issue of IJCP, the International Journal of Clinical Practice. "We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralisation and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes" says Dr Moses Elisaf from the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Ioannina, Greece. "Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can also lead to hypokalaemia, in which the blood potassium levels fall, causing an adverse effect on vital muscle functions." A research review carried out by Dr Elisaf and his colleagues has shown that symptoms can range from mild weakness to profound paralysis. Luckily all the patients studied made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium. In 2007 the worldwide annual consumption of soft drinks reached 552 billion litres, the equivalent of just under 83 litres per person per year, and this is projected to increase to 95 litres per person per year by 2012. However the figure has already reached an average of 212 litres per person per year in the United States. It appears that hypokalaemia can be caused by excessive consumption of three of the most common ingredients in cola drinks – glucose, fructose and caffeine. "The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalaemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients" says Dr Elisaf. "However in most of the cases we looked at for our review, caffeine intoxication was thought to play the most important role. This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose. "Despite this, caffeine free cola products can also cause hypokalaemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhoea." The authors argue that in an era when portion sizes are becoming bigger and bigger, the excessive consumption of cola products has real public health implications. "Although most patients recover when they stop drinking cola and take potassium supplements, cola-induced chronic hypokalaemia can make them more susceptible to potentially fatal complications, such as an irregular heartbeat" says Dr Elisaf. "In addition, excessive consumption of any kind of cola can lead to a range of health problems including fatigue, loss of productivity and muscular symptoms that vary from mild weakness to profound paralysis." "We believe that further studies are needed to establish how much is too much when it comes to the daily consumption of cola drinks." Dr Packer agrees that the problem needs to be addressed. "Cola drinks need to be added to the physician's checklist of drugs and substances that can cause hypokalaemia" he says. "And the soft drink industry needs to promote safe and moderate use of its products for all age groups, reduce serving sizes and pay heed to the rising call for healthier drinks." Cola-induced hypokalaemia: pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Tsimihodimos. IJCP, International Journal of Clinical Practice. 63.6, 900-902. (June 2009). Commentary: Cola-induced hypokalaemia: a super-sized problem. Packer C. IJCP, International Journal of Clinical Practice. 63.6, 900-902. (June 2009) Soft drinks NOT suitable for vegetarians What about Bread? Veg or Non-Veg? Concise Encyclopedia Also of Interest, Community Health and Outreach Information ... Complementary
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