Healthy drinks in institutes

Author: by Nasser Yousaf

Sir: We witness many beverage companies selling energy drinks at various schools and colleges across the country. There is a need to inform healthcare professionals, parents and school administrations about the nutritional concerns regarding soft drinks’ consumption in educational institutions. Potential health problems associated with the intake of sweetened, energy or fizzy drinks include overweight or obesity attributable to additional calories in the diet, displacement of milk consumption resulting in calcium deficiency with a risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and dental caries and potential enamel erosion. Moreover, the prime stimulating ingredients in energy drinks are large doses of caffeine and sugar, which can cause long-term health hazards. School officials and parents need to become well informed about the health implications of vended energy and fizzy drinks in schools and colleges. The western world has already put in place regulations where only healthy drinks and juices are allowed in educational institutions. There is a need to implement clearly defined, countrywide policies that restrict the sale of such drinks, thus safeguarding against health problems.

DR IRFAN ZAFAR

Islamabad