Surge in Kidney Disease Among Nigerian Youths Links to Energy Drinks

By Tgnews Reporter

Health experts and medical professionals have raised the alarm over the rising incidence of kidney disease among young Nigerians, linking the trend to the excessive consumption of energy drinks.

Once marketed primarily as boosters for alertness and physical performance, energy drinks have become a daily staple for many youths across Nigeria from students grappling with academic pressure and workers on demanding schedules to those seeking enhanced stamina during nightlife or long-distance travel.

However, mounting medical evidence suggests that the high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants in these beverages are contributing to a troubling public health crisis.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the increasing cases of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury among Nigerians in their 20s and 30s may be connected to the widespread consumption of energy drinks containing high concentrations of caffeine, taurine, guarana, and sugar.

These ingredients can lead to dehydration, elevated blood pressure, and reduced blood flow to the kidneys, placing significant strain on these vital organs.

Dr Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya, a family physician known as #OurFavOnlineDoc on X, warned that the glucose and caffeine-loaded drinks mask serious health risks, including potential renal failure.

“Excessive caffeine intake can worsen stomach ulcers, trigger abdominal pain, overstimulate the heart, and lead to irregular heartbeat, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, kidney problems, and even collapse,” he said.

Reports from dialysis centres across the country indicate a sharp rise in kidney-related cases among young people. The National Kidney Foundation has described energy drinks as ultra-processed products loaded with additives, artificial sugars, and sodium, which offer little nutritional value.

A long-term study cited by the foundation found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increased the risk of developing kidney disease by 22 per cent.

Consultant public health physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Tanimola Akande, highlighted the additional dangers of mixing energy drinks with alcohol — a common practice among young people.

“The stimulant effect of caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading individuals to consume more than they realise. This combination increases dehydration and places immense pressure on the kidneys,” he explained.

Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, echoed these concerns, noting that the mix can mask intoxication and heighten the risk of long-term organ damage.

Nigeria already bears a significant burden of kidney disease, with estimates suggesting that between 11 and 19 per cent of the population is affected.

Unlike in the past, when the condition was more common among older adults, chronic kidney disease now frequently strikes people in their productive years, often leading to premature death or lifelong dependence on dialysis.

Medical case reports, including those published in Springer Nature, have documented instances of acute kidney injury directly linked to excessive energy drink consumption.

The US National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that energy drinks often contain far higher caffeine levels than coffee or cola, with additional herbal stimulants that can compound their effects on the body.

Health authorities are urging young Nigerians to exercise caution, reduce consumption of these beverages, and avoid mixing them with alcohol. The WHO emphasises the need for greater public awareness of non-communicable diseases and the adoption of healthier lifestyle choices to curb this growing threat.

As the culture of energy drink consumption continues to grow unchecked, medical experts warn that without urgent intervention and better regulation, the long-term consequences for the health of Nigeria’s youth could be severe.q