Cola-induced hypokalaemia: pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications.
OBJECTIVE
The consumption of soft drinks has increased considerably during the last decades. Among them, the cola-based preparations are possibly the refreshments with the largest sales worldwide. In addition to the possible detrimental effects of moderate, chronic cola consumption, it has been proposed that the consumption of large amounts of cola-based soft drinks may result in severe hypokalaemia.


METHODS
In this review, we discuss the clinical significance of these disturbances and summarise the pathophysiological mechanism that may underlie the development of this rare, but potentially severe, side effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Several lines of evidence suggest that the chronic consumption of large amounts of cola soft drinks may adversely affect potassium homeostasis and result in potentially severe conditions such as hypokalaemic myopathy.
Tsimihodimos
V
V
Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Kakaidi
V
V
Elisaf
M
M
D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005632:Fructose / Q000009:adverse effects; D005947:Glucose / Q000009:adverse effects; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D005632:Fructose; D002110:Caffeine; D005947:Glucose; D011188:Potassium