Researchers Allege Link Between Soft Drink Consumption and Low Potassium Levels

Greek scientists have published a study in the International Journal of Clinical Practice that reportedly examines six cases of cola-induced potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) involving muscle weakness and paralysis in adults. V. Tsimihodimos, et al., “Cola-induced hypokalemia: pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications,” The International Journal of Clinical Practice, June 2009. Researchers with the
University of Ioannina, Greece, have identified six reported occurrences since 1994 of hypokalemia in adults who consumed several liters of soda per day. “Fortunately,” stated the lead author, “all patients had a rapid and complete recovery after the discontinuation of cola ingestion and the oral or intravenous supplementation of potassium.”

According to a companion editorial by Associate Professor of Medicine C.D. Packer of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, the study authors “make a compelling argument that potassium depletion should be added to the long list of soft drink-related health problems.” The editorial encourages internists to start asking adult patients about their soft drink consumption, especially if the patient has symptoms of cardiovascular disease. “One might argue that people who drink 3-10 liters of cola per day are outliers, and that excessive soft drink consumption at this level is so rare that it is not a public health issue,” writes Packer. “The problem is that we have every reason to think that it is not rare.” See Reuters, June 5, 2009.