– Liberian Pharmacist warns against imminent health threat
Dr. David Sumo, the former Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines and Health Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) and one of Liberia’s most esteemed pharmacists has issued a stern warning about the unregulated street selling of energy drinks, which he believes needs urgent regulation.
“These days, our streets are flooded with the increasing wave of unregulated street selling of caffeinated energy drinks. Young boys and girls can be seen between moving vehicles and on sidewalks with various brands of these drinks for sale,” Dr. Sumo explained.
Dr. Sumo cautioned that the proliferation of these unregulated energy drinks poses a significant risk to public health. He highlighted that if this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to a continued loss of precious lives, impacting many vital members of society.
On his official Facebook page, Dr. Sumo revealed that many of these energy drinks are near expiration or already expired by the time they reach the open market, where they are sold at very low prices. This situation exacerbates the public health risk, as expired products can be even more harmful.
Dr. Sumo, a fierce advocate against fake, expired, or counterfeit drugs and harmful substances on the Liberian market, noted a worrying rise in the consumption of caffeine-concentrated canned drinks. He observed that people of all ages, including those with pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes, are consuming two to three servings of these dangerous drinks daily to replenish energy.
Dr. Sumo’s advocacy led to his removal from the George M. Weah-led government following a campaign organized by Montserrado County Senator Saah Hardy Joseph and other top pharmacy owners in the country. His removal was perceived as a reaction to his stringent stance against the circulation of fake, counterfeit, and expired health products.
Research has shown that the health risks associated with energy drink consumption are primarily linked to their caffeine content. Dr. Sumo detailed several potential risks, including palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and, in severe cases, death. He pointed out that these risks might be contributing to the increased incidence of strokes among young people in Liberia.
Additionally, Dr. Sumo warned that excessive energy drink consumption could lead to type 2 diabetes, as high caffeine intake reduces insulin sensitivity. He emphasized that this is an emerging health problem in Liberia.
For pregnant women, consuming expired energy drinks poses risks like late miscarriages, low birth weight, and stillbirths. Dr. Sumo also noted that young, underprivileged women of childbearing age are particularly vulnerable.
Energy drinks often contain other ingredients, such as guarana, and the long-term effects of regularly consuming these combinations are unknown but potentially harmful.
Dr. Sumo has called on relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Health, to create awareness and implement measures to prevent the mixing of energy drinks with alcohol. This practice is prevalent in drinking spots around Monrovia and poses significant risks, especially to young people. Research indicates that high caffeine levels in energy drinks can reduce drowsiness without diminishing the effects of alcohol, leading to “wide-awake drunkenness.” This state of heightened alertness combined with alcohol can result in risky behaviors, including violence and sexual assault.
Pharmacist David Sumo, who holds a PhD in pharmacy and medicine and has decades of experience as a medical practitioner, stressed the need for policy development and enforcement to regulate the sale and advertisement of energy drinks in Liberia. He proposed several policies, including:
1. Establishing an evidence-based upper limit for the amount of caffeine allowed per serving in any drink.
2. Restricting the sale of energy drinks to children and adolescents.
3. Educating healthcare providers to recognize caffeine intoxication, withdrawal, and dependence.
4. Regulating the marketing of energy drinks, such as banning adverts targeting young people or associating energy drinks with athletic performance.
Dr. Sumo’s recommendations aim to safeguard public health and ensure that the consumption of energy drinks is managed responsibly in Liberia.
