Too much cola 'weakens your bones'

Published on Tuesday 19 May 2009 22:07

DRINKING large quantities of cola could lead to muscle problems, an irregular heartbeat and bone weakness, experts warned yesterday.

The researchers said that the number of cola-lovers suffering health issues was rising, alongside a push from the food industry towards an "increase in portion sizes".

As well as tooth decay, diabetes and "softening" of the bones, doctors have seen patients suffering from hypokalaemia – where potassium in the blood drops too low.

This can increase the risk of muscle problems and heart rhythm abnormalities.

"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," said Dr Moses Elisaf, from the University of Ioannina in Greece who led the review.

The study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, highlighted two cases where patients drank two or more litres of cola a day.

In one case, a 21-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to hospital with tiredness, loss of appetite and vomiting.

The patient had consumed more than three litres of cola per day for the previous six years and was found to be suffering from severe hypokalaemia and a heart blockage.

Once she was taken off cola and given potassium replacement substances, she made a full recovery.

Other case studies of people drinking between two and nine litres of cola a day found they suffered muscle problems ranging from "mild weakness to profound paralysis".

One theory is that the sugar content of cola could lead the kidneys to excrete too much potassium, while another is that the caffeine content of cola leads to a redistribution of potassium in the body's cells or increased excretion from the body.

The most common ingredients in cola drinks are glucose, fructose and caffeine.

A spokeswoman for the British Soft Drinks Association said: "The examples used in this paper ... are all very extreme cases – moderate consumption of cola drinks is completely safe and people can continue to enjoy such drinks as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

"The soft drinks industry is committed to encouraging responsible consumption of all its products.Nutrition labelling is included on packs so people can make an informed choice about the products they are drinking.

"(A total of) 61 per cent of soft drinks are now low calorie and no-added sugar drinks and the industry provides a wide range of drinks to meet every need."