Four Things To Know About Energy Drinks

Mr A

Teens and young adults spend an estimated $2.3 billion annually on energy drinks laced with caffeine and herbal stimulants. But these aggressively marketed and pricey beverages (called “drugs in a can” and “a pharmacological Molotov cocktail” by Oklahoma State University researchers in one recent report) do more than clean out their wallets.

Over 5,000 reported caffeine overdoses in recent years—46 percent in kids age 18 and younger—have been attributed to them, say University of Miami researchers in a 2011 study in the journal Pediatrics. With caffeine levels up to three to five times higher than a 12-ounce cola, these drinks may also contain rev-you- up herbal stimulants like guarana and yerba mate.

Liver damage, kidney failure, respiratory disorders, agitation, seizures, psychotic problems, muscle break-down, off-rhythm heartbeats, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack and even death have been reported in energy drink users in Europe, the U. of Miami researchers warned. And kids taking medications for attention deficit disorders or who have diabetes or heart problems may be at extra risk.
Denmark, Sweden, Australia and Germany have partial or complete bans on their sale to kids. Last fall, Canada began requiring new warnings and stricter caffeine limits. What’s happening in the U.S.? Here’s what parents should know: The U.S. has no standard definition of an ‘energy drink.’ The Food and Drug Administration only sets caffeine levels on cola drinks, allowing energy-drink makers to pack their beverages with more. (The American Beverage Association has voluntary guidelines for caffeine limits and warning labels, but not all drink makers comply.) Many contain even higher levels than may be listed on the label, because herbs like yerba mate also pack considerable amounts of caffeine. They’re marketed aggressively to preteens and teens. Flavors like strawberry lemonade and apple cherry and slogans like “party like a rock star!” and ‘ultimate energy rush’ are just the beginning. Energy-drink websites lure kids with come-ons about bands, athletes and celebrities. Coupons and free samples get them started.
Energy drinks don’t help performance. They made timing, coordination, alertness and concentration worse in one Oklahoma State University study of student pilots. In fact, after triggering a burst of stress hormones and feel-good brain chemicals, your energy levels plummet.

One can isn’t one serving. Many contain 2 or even 4 servings per can—but who (especially a thirsty teen) stops at a quarter-can? Drinking the whole thing means they’ve just downed two to four times more caffeine than they’d get from a single serving.

What can you do? Talk with your kid about the downsides of these drinks. And help them save money (energy drinks can cost $2 to $4 a can) by offering bottled water, herbal iced tea (make it at home with fruity herbal tea bags, water, and a little sugar) or seltzer with juice or a squeeze of lemon. Let us know what you’re doing— and how you feel about energy drinks marketed to kids by leaving your comments here.

iyke

Not Fair!!

Chris

Interesting read.

Sir-Phil

I don't really go on energy drinks, but... I can't help without chewing-gum anytime am on the pitch playing futbol.
I can't last for 90' without chewing gum.
Does this also affect my system?

Spottykay

hope you are not addicted to chewing gum

Sir-Phil

I never stated that! It is the reason while am trying to control it, so it doesnt look as though am addicted to it.

Mr Paul

Addiction starts somewhere, somehow, if you can't last in playing football without chewing gum: that's a starting point of addiction. As time goes on, you may not be able to other things well without chewing gum.
Now lets talk about the bad effect of chewing gum; chewing of gum damages the teeth and weakens the gum. The only chewing gum recomemded for use is the medical one for treating decaying teeth and that one has been mixed with drugs and chemicals for restoring the teeth.

Sir-Phil

Is there a common name for it? Where can I get it then?

Mr Paul

Just ask of Medical Chewing Gum from Fertin Pharma Company@ Denmark.
You can only see it in big pharmacy stores.

Sir-Phil

Am not even sure if am ready for it, I mean having to go through all that stress? I ld better quit chewing gum!

Mr Paul

I think quiting is the best option, because as time goes on, you may get addicted to it.
Anyway, its mainly for treatment of dacaying teeth and bleeding tooth gum.

Sir-Phil

I cant totally abstain from it, though I wont allow it to get the best of me.

Mr Paul

I say it frankly that its the best you abstain from it: there is more to it than just for fun.
Dont you even know that chewing gum is known with some categories of people?
The only area where its good for someone taking it is when you want to use the medical one to treat your gum and after treating you drop it(quit).
I tell you that chewing gum is prohibited in schools now; at leasts in many schools l know, for best reasons which is for the benefit of those students.

Sir-Phil

It was prohibited in mine too. Even sweets, back in my school days.

Mr Paul

Good, those authorities do that for good reasons.

Four Things To Know About Energy Drinks

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