Excessive cola consumption can lead to hypokalaemia or low levels of blood potassium. Researchers in Greece are studying cases of patients suffering from symptoms ranging from mild weakness to profound muscle paralysis.
Dr Moses Elisaf from the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Ioannina, Greece is leading the research. The findings are to be published in the June issue of International Journal of Clinical Practice, IJCP.
Elisaf said, “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.”
Hypokalaemia adversely affects vital muscle functions. This happens due to excessive consumption of cola.  In the cases examined, the patients recovered fully after they stopped drinking cola. Instead they increased their potassium intake either intravenously or with tablets.
Patients who drink 2 to 9 litres a day were examined.
Dr Clifford Packer from the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Centre in Ohio said he knew of a case of an Australian ostrich farmer who returned from the outback complaining of muscle weakness. He had been drinking 4 litres of cola every day for 3 years and this went up to 10 litres on some days.
“This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose”, Elsaf explained.
“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,” added Elisaf, “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,” he warned.
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