Health Effects of Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are
nonalcoholic beverages containing caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, taurine,
ginseng, inositol, carnitine, B–vitamins, etc as main ingredients that act as
stimulants.
The consumption of energy drinks is rapidly
increasing, as demonstrated by their large market growth. The targeted
demographic group is teenagers, young adults, 18 to 34 years old, although
expansion into nontraditional markets is also occurring.
These drinks contain
high levels of caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system. The side effects
of these energy drinks are excitability, sleep deprivation, anxiety, higher
blood pressure and cardiac irregularities. Healthcare Providers have reported
that seizures, mania, stroke and sudden death can occur in some. The amount of
caffeine being ingested by children is unsafe.
According to available
researches, even consuming one can of a popular brand of energy drink could
cause the blood to become sticky, increasing the risk of clotting. Scientists,
physicians, and
neuroscientist are urging the
regulatory authorities all over the world to increase energy drink
regulations as the high caffeine drinks could increase the risk of caffeine
intoxication and alcohol–related injuries.
Concerns have been raised over
the safety of energy drinks and with a currently weak regulatory environment
efforts need to be made to ensure consumer safety by mandating to include
necessary warnings on product labels and enforcing strict control on unethical
promotional campaigns. Consumers should also be
advised that caution be exercised in the consumption of stimulant drinks with
alcohol or in association with sport and the products should carry a clear
statement on the label to this effect.
Categories:
Health
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