Drinking too much cola may induce potassium deficiency

By David Liu (davidl@foodconsumer.org)

Drinking cola each day may result in severe and possibly fatal potassium deficiency, a study by researchers from the University of Ioannina, Greece suggested.

The study published in the international Journal of Clinical Practice reviewed the several cases in which men and women consumed 2 to 10 quarts of cola each day and concluded that cola consumption may induce the risk of potassium deficiency.

Potassium deficiency means that the blood levels of potassium is abnormally low, a condition called hypokalemia that causes fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps and intestinal paralysis, which may further lead to bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Drinking soft drinks has already been associated with some health issues including tooth problems, bone demineralization and development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, according to the authors of the study.

The researchers reviewed a few severe cases. For example, a 21-year-old who drank 3 quarts each day ended up being admitted to the hospital for persistent vomiting, fatigue and appetite loss.  Another person was also hospitalized after drinking 7 quarts each day for 10 months and suffering progressive weakening of her muscles.

In severe cases, patients may  experience or suffer from cramping, paralysis, irregular heartbeat and even death. Reviewed in the study was also a case involving a man who drank 10 quarts each day and he suffered lung paralysis.

The researchers believe that both caffeine and sugar have something to do with the potassium deficiency.

Cola may not be the only beverage that may potentially cause potassium deficiency.  According to Linus Pauling Institute, use of potassium-wasting diuretics, alcohol, severe vomiting or diarrhea, overuse or abuse of laxatives, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, magnesium depletion, and or congestive heart failure can all cause hypokalemia.

Persistent or habitual consumption of large amounts of black licorice has reportedly led to hypokalemia.  Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid which has similar physiologic effects to those of a hormone called aldosterone that increases urinary excretion of potassium.

Potassium rich foods include banana, baked potato with skin, prune juice, dried plums, orange juice, tomatoes, raisins, cooked artichoke, cooked Lima beans, spinach, sunflower seeds, molasses, and almonds.