A cardiologist warns that sugary drinks raise heart disease risk in children, urging parents to cut sugar-sweetened beverages
A Gombe-based cardiologist, Dr Abubakar Sani, has warned that excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children.
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Dr Abubakar Sani, a consultant cardiologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, gave the warning in an interview on Monday.
He said frequent intake of sugar-sweetened beverages could predispose children to heart disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes.
Dr Sani cautioned parents against the regular consumption of sugary drinks, citing the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
He said greater attention must be paid to the impact of sugar-laden beverages on children’s heart health.
According to him, many parents routinely pack sugary juices and other sweetened drinks in school lunch packs.
He described the practice as unhealthy and capable of exposing children to avoidable health risks.
Dr Sani said excessive intake of sugary drinks also increases the risk of obesity and severe tooth decay among children.
With schools resuming nationwide, he urged parents to reduce their children’s access to sugary beverages.
He advised parents to keep such drinks out of homes and avoid including them in school meals.
Dr Sani recommended water as the best option for hydration, describing it as safer and healthier for children.
The World Health Organisation defines sugar-sweetened beverages as drinks containing free sugars.
These include carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, energy drinks, sports drinks, and flavoured milk.
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The WHO said sugary drinks offer no nutritional benefit and do not form a desirable part of a healthy diet.
