A Gombe-based cardiologist, Abubakar Sani, says excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children.

He said excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages might predispose children to the risk of heart disease, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

Mr Sani, a consultant cardiologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, said this in an interview on Monday.

He cautioned against excessive consumption of sugary drinks, given the prevalence of non-communicable diseases linked to their consumption.

According to Mr Sani, more attention needs to be paid to the health impact of such drinks on children’s heart health.

“Many parents regularly include numerous sugary juices and other SSBs in their children’s school lunch, which are unhealthy for them.

“Children consuming too many sugary drinks can also expose them to serious risks like 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 going to school and keeping the drinks out of the home too,” he said.

He encouraged parents to give their children water, highlighting that water remained the best choice for hydration.

According to the World Health Organisation, SSBs are all types of beverages containing free sugars, including carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit/vegetable juices, and other drinks.

Others include liquid and powder concentrates, flavoured water, energy and sports drinks, ready-to-drink tea, ready-to-drink coffee and flavoured milk drinks.

WHO noted that sugary drinks offer no nutritional benefits and are neither essential nor desirable parts of people’s diets.

(NAN)