A cardiologist based in Gombe, Dr Abubakar Sani, has warned that excessive intake of sugary drinks could increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases among children.
Dr Sani explained that frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) may predispose children to heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
The consultant cardiologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, made this known on Monday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He cautioned parents against allowing children to consume sugary drinks excessively, noting the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases associated with such beverages.
According to him, greater awareness is needed about the negative effects of sugary drinks on children’s heart health.
“Many parents routinely pack sugary juices and other sugar-sweetened beverages in their children’s lunch packs, which are unhealthy,” he said.
He added that excessive intake of sugary drinks could also expose children to other serious health issues, including obesity and severe tooth decay.
“With schools resuming nationwide, I strongly advise parents to reduce their children’s intake of sugary drinks, especially when they are going to school, and to limit the availability of such drinks at home,” he stated.
Dr Sani encouraged parents to offer water as the primary drink for their children, stressing that water remains the healthiest option for proper hydration.
The World Health Organisation defines sugar-sweetened beverages as all drinks containing free sugars, including carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, liquid and powdered concentrates, flavoured water, energy and sports drinks, ready-to-drink tea and coffee, as well as flavoured milk drinks.
The WHO also notes that sugary drinks provide no nutritional value and are not a healthy component of a balanced diet.