What Coca-Cola does to your body just one hour after drinking can - including 'heroin' effect
Coca Cola has issued a major recall of several of its beverages after tests detected excessive levels of the chemical chlorate in certain products. The affected drinks were set to be sold across the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
While an official recall has yet to be confirmed in the UK, the Food Standards Agency has launched an investigation and will provide updates if the situation changes. Tests revealed "elevated levels" of chlorate, a chemical byproduct formed when chlorine-based disinfectants used in water sterilisation break down.
Excessive consumption of chlorate has been linked to thyroid issues, kidney failure, and, in severe cases, can be fatal. As a result, several popular drinks, including Fuze Tea, Fanta, Coca Cola, Sprite, and Tropico, have been pulled from shelves as a precaution.
READ MORE: New Winter Fuel Payment update on legal bid to reverse cuts for all pensioners
The health risks associated with sugary drinks - including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay - are well documented. Research has even suggested that consuming a can of Coca Cola can impact the body within an hour.
A single can contains 39 grams of added sugar, equivalent to nearly 10 teaspoons. This far exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended daily limit of six teaspoons for optimal health.
Drinking just one can a day could push an individual well beyond this threshold, increasing the risk of long-term health complications. British pharmacist Niraj Naik explains that Coca Cola's intense sweetness, due to its high sugar content, should theoretically trigger an immediate vomiting response.
However, the presence of phosphoric acid masks the overwhelming sweetness, allowing people to consume it without discomfort. Phosphoric acid, a colourless additive, is used to increase acidity and prevent bacterial and mould growth in sugary drinks. It originates from phosphorus, a naturally occurring mineral essential for tissue and cell growth, maintenance, and repair.
While phosphorus is vital for these functions, excessive intake can deplete calcium — an essential nutrient for bone and muscle health. A deficiency in calcium increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures.
An observational study published in the journal Nutrients found that individuals who consumed fizzy juice daily were twice as likely to suffer fractures compared to those who did not.
Drinking a can of Coca Cola triggers a series of rapid changes in the body, according to Naik. Within just 20 minutes, blood sugar levels skyrocket, prompting a surge in insulin production. The liver then converts the excess sugar into fat.
By the 40-minute mark, the body has absorbed all of the caffeine in the cola, causing pupils to dilate and blood pressure to rise. At this point, Coca Cola has also blocked adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing feelings of drowsiness.
Five minutes later, dopamine production increases. Known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, dopamine plays a key role in the brain's pleasure and reward centers. The way Coca Cola stimulates these centers has been compared to the effects of heroin, creating a strong desire to drink another can.
However, the high doesn’t last long. About an hour after consuming the drink, a sugar crash sets in, leading to irritability and drowsiness. Meanwhile, the body expels the water from the cola, along with vital nutrients, through urine. And Naik noted that these changes apply to most soft drinks, not just Coca Cola.
A spokesperson for Coca Cola has spoken out on the scale of the recalled products, saying: "We do not have a precise figure, but it is clear that it is a considerable quantity. The majority of the affected and unsold products have already been removed from store shelves and we continue to take measures to remove all remaining products from the market."
Customers have been urged not to drink the products and instead to return them to the point of sale for a refund.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.
