|
Published: July 03, 2009 04:57 pm
Too much cola can cause hypokalemia
Jack Rutherford
Register Columnist
Heavy cola drinkers beware. A new study in the International Journal of Clinical Practice has found that hypokalemia, an abnormally low potassium level, can occur in people who consume excessive amounts of cola during the day. Hypokalemia results in muscle weakness or spasms, fatigue, constipation and abnormal heart rhythms (in people with heart disease). In extreme instances, paralysis may occur.
The researchers conducted a review of people who drank more than two liters of cola a day. Two of the patients were pregnant women who had been admitted to the hospital with low potassium levels. One was a 21-year old woman who drank between two and three liters of cola a day and complained of fatigue, loss of appetite and vomiting. A subsequent electrocardiogram showed that she had a heart blockage.
The second case involved a pregnant woman who had been consuming up to seven liters of cola a day for approximately 10 months. The patient had low potassium and was suffering from muscular weakness. Both patients made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took a potassium supplement.
“We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before, and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes,” said Dr. Moses Elisaf of the University of Ioannina in Greece and lead author of the study.
Now there’s increasing evidence that hypokalemia can be added to the list.
Elisaf said the three most common ingredients in cola — glucose, fructose, and caffeine — can lead to hypokalemia.
“The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients,” Elisaf stated in a news release. “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.”
“Caffeine-free cola products can also cause hypokalemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhea,” Elisaf cautioned.
For more information on hypokalemia, refer to the Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Medical Coder needed For busy practice
Busy Medical Practice seeking Certified Medical Coder. Must have experience. Excellent salary and health benefits. Pleas...>MORE
CMA needed for fast-paced nephrology
CMA needed for fast-paced nephrology office. Send resume to: Richmond Nephrology & Hypertension 793 Eastern B...>MORE
Employment Opportunity
Employment Opportunity Brick Mason Helper 11 temp. openings. Cross Roads Masonry, Beattyville, KY. Employment ...>MORE
Now Taking Applications for all Positions.
Now Taking Applications for all Positions. Apply in person. Madison Gardens, 152 N. Madison Ave., downtown Richmond....>MORE
Lexington Herald Leader has a morning
Lexington Herald Leader has a morning route available in Mt. Vernon/Brodhead. Takes approx 3 hrs daily, w/profit potenti...>MORE
Employment Opportunity Construction Helper
Employment Opportunity Construction Helper 10 temp. positions. Bobby Cameron Stone Masonry, Brodhead, KY. Employmen...>MORE
See all ads |
|
Looking for a Great Auto Deal?
Looking to buy or sell? Check here for the Premium Auto Section. For More Information Call 859-624-6681. ...>MORE
2003 Wildwood, 37ft asking $17,000
2003 Wildwood, 37ft S/C. Like new. Air, awning, super slide. Fully loaded. Must go. Paid $28,000 asking $17,000 Best of...>MORE
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier.
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. 111K mi. Good condition. $1800. 859-623-0685 ...>MORE
See all ads |
|
Hillcrest Subd: 3bd, 2.5ba, 1car gar. duple
Hillcrest Subd: 3bd, 2.5ba, 1car gar. duplex and 2bd, 1.5ba townhouse. Call 859-200-2600....>MORE
Move in special 1 bdrm
Move in special! 1 bdrm $525-$535, includes utilities and W/D. Near Exit- 87. 779-9292, 536-7791. ...>MORE
SALE OR LEASE 3063 COLONEL RD
For Sale or Lease 3063 Colonel Road. Remolded 2 story home on basement, w/Barn, 3 acres, fenced. $1300 mo or $215,000. C...>MORE
See all ads |
|
Everything from A-Z!!!
Need to sell your bedroom suite, washer and dryer, or even selling an animal? Call Mayme or Melissa at 859-624-6681 to p...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|