Simple sugar and caloric contents of soft drinks in Nigeria

Background: Soft drinks are widely consumed in Nigeria and it is generally believed that they contain large amounts of sugars and therefore calories. However, there is as yet no local study to define the composition of these drinks. This information is essential in giving dietary advice, especially in those on special diets. Objective: to study sugar and caloric contents of soft drinks marketed in Nigeria. Materials and methods: Six different brands of soft drinks that are being marketed all over Nigeria were analysed for their sugar (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and caloric contents. Results: The sugar content per bottle ranges between 3.29 to 7.70 grams per bottle with a caloric value ranging between 13.2 and 30.8 kilocalories per bottle. Conclusion: The implications of these findings are discussed and it is proposed that soft drink manufacturers indicate the caloric value of their products as well as produce sugar free drinks in African countries. (Int J Diabetes Metab 14: 110-111, 2006 )