By PETER UWUMAROGIE

A Gombe-based Cardiologist, Dr Abubakar Sani, says excessive consumption of sugary drinks increase risk of cardiovascular diseases in children.

He said excessive consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) might predispose children to the risk of heart disease, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

Sani, a consultant cardiologist, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

He cautioned against excessive consumption of sugary drinks in view of the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) linked to consuming such drinks.

According to Sani, more attention needs to be drawn toward the health impact of such drinks on the heart health of children.

“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 (WHO), SSBs are all types of beverages containing free sugars, these include carbonated or non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit/vegetable juices and 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 have no nutritional benefit, neither essential nor desirable parts of people’s diets. (NAN)