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Article Date: 05/27/2009

Excessive Cola Drinking Could Lead to Muscle Problems
News for all soft drink lovers out there: drinking excessive cola can increase the risk of hypokalemia, creating problems with vital muscle functions as a result of low potassium levels. Glucose, fructose and caffeine are the three most common ingredients in cola. All three can contribute to hypokalemia. Even the caffeine-free soft drinks can cause hypokalemia due to containing fructose that can cause diarrhea.

Greek researchers conducted a study of people who consumed between two to nine liters of cola a day. Two of the patients were pregnant and admitted to the hospital with low potassium levels. The first woman was 21 years old. She drank up to three liters a day and suffered from fatigue, appetite loss, and vomiting. After an electrocardiogram, it was reported that she also had a heart blockage.

The second pregnant woman drank up to seven liters of cola a day for 10 months. Her symptoms included increasing muscular weakness and low potassium. After both patients ceased consuming soft drinks and took oral or intravenous potassium, they fully recovered.

Website Address: http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/toomuchcolacancausemuscleproblems.html

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