A nutritional expert has warned against excessive consumption of carbonated drinks that could bring on a variety of health risks.

Dr. Zahir Sulaiman, clinical nutrition consultant at the University of Dammam, said the ingredients used in the manufacture of carbonated drinks can lead to osteoporosis, the erosion of the tooth enamel, obesity, diabetes, stomach ulcers and other diseases.

To show the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Sulaiman said the percentage of sugar in a regular soda container stands at 40 grams which, he said, is high, pointing out that it is poor in nutritional value and devoid of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.

Researchers have shown that excessive consumption is harmful to the brain as it causes chemical changes to brain proteins, increased mental and neurological disorders, in addition to reducing the body’s ability to absorb calcium from the intestine, which exposes man to osteoporosis and bone fractures in the long term, he was quoted by local media.

Dr. Sulaiman pointed out that carbonated drinks lack vitamin B which leads to poor digestion, headaches and insomnia.

He said some of the carbonated drinks contain caffeine, which leads to an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, diabetes and increased acidity of stomach, which increases the incidence of ulcers.

For her part, Nagwa Mousa, a medical expert, said that the excessive use of carbonated drinks leads to tooth decay, kidney stones and cystic liver injury. She strongly advised that people replace carbonated drinks with natural juices and fresh food to keep their bodies fit and energetic.