A Gombe-based cardiologist, Dr Abubakar Sani, has warned that excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases among children.
Sani said frequent intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) could predispose children to heart disease, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.
The consultant cardiologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, made the disclosure in an interview with reporters on Monday.
He cautioned parents against excessive consumption of sugary drinks, noting the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to such beverages.
According to him, greater attention must be paid to the negative impact of sugary drinks on children’s heart health.
“Many parents regularly include sugary juices and other sugar-sweetened beverages in their children’s school lunches, which are unhealthy.
“Children who consume too many sugary drinks are also exposed to serious risks such as obesity and severe tooth decay.
“As schools resume across the country, I advise parents to cut down on sugary drinks for their children, especially when they go to school, and to keep such drinks out of the home,” he said.
Sani encouraged parents to give their children water, stressing that it remains the healthiest option for hydration.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sugar-sweetened beverages include all drinks containing free sugars, such as carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices and drinks, liquid and powdered concentrates, flavored water, energy and sports drinks, ready-to-drink tea and coffee, and flavored milk drinks.
The WHO notes that sugary drinks provide no nutritional benefits and are neither essential nor desirable components of a healthy diet.
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