Energy drinks

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Energy drinks

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Publié par	idiqizof
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For parents and teachers Number2.11 November2003

www.druginfo.adf.org.au

Energy drinks Do they really give you wings?

Introduction In recent years, an increase in consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine has led to concern by teachers and parents of the possible effects of caffeine on children. They are afraid that caffeine will make their children behave in ways that are unusual or harmful for them. This fact sheet provides information on caffeinated energy drinks and their effects. What are energy drinks? Energy drinks are drinks designed to increase stamina and improve physical perfomance. Some energy drinks are designed especially for elite athletes, but most are produced and marketed for the general community. What are their main ingredients? The main ingredients in energy drinks are caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone. Some new drinks on the market also contain opium poppy seed extract or ephedrine. Taurine Taurine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. Amino acids help to build protein. They are also believed to detoxify and cleanse the body of harmful substances. In times of stress and high physical activity, the body can lose small amounts of taurine. Some people use energy drinks to try to replace or build up their body’s level of taurine. Glucuronolactone Glucuronolactone also occurs naturally in the body. It is a natural metabolite and carbohydrate formed when glucose breaks down, and is believed

to be helpful in ridding the body of harmful substances and providing an instant energy boost. Caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant which acts on the central nervous system to speed up the messages to and from the brain so that the person feels more aware and active. See ourFact Sheet 2.10 Caffeinefor more information on its effects. What are the health effects of energy drinks? Not enough is currently known about energy drinks and their effect on health and wellbeing. The producers of energy drinks make many claims about the health effects of their products. They say that their products can increase physical endurance, improve reaction time, boost mental The caffeine content of some popular energy drinks and soft drinks

Beverage (250mL) ImpulseRed BullNaughty Boy‘V’CocaColaDiet CokeDiet Coke CaffeineFree PepsiDiet PepsiPepsi Max

T H ED R U GP R E V E N T I O NN E T W O R K DrugInfo Clearinghouse 409 King Street West Melbourne Victoria 3003 Tel: 1300 85 85 84 (Victoria only) Email: druginfo@adf.org.au

Caffeine content 88 mg 80 mg 80mg 78 mg 48.75 mg 48 mg 2 mg 40 mg 44 mg 44 mg

Number2.11 November2003

alertness and concentration, increase overall wellto avoid giving children under age 10 products being, stimulate metabolism, improve stamina andcontaining caffeine, especially energy drinks. help eliminate waste from the body. The drinks areOlder children and young people should be marketed as healthy, fun and youthful, and manycareful, too. The human brain continues to children, young people and adults are taken in bygrow up to about age 16 (some say age 21). the excitement created around them, believingWe know that caffeine can affect a growing these claims to be true. However, the evidencebrain, but we don't as yet know how. shows that it may be wise to be cautious in our Pregnant women consumption of energy drinks. Women who are pregnant are advised to avoid Caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone occur energy drinks (especially during the first three naturally in the body, but the fact that they are months of pregnancy), as high amounts of caffeine present in much higher doses in energy drinks may can increase the risk of miscarriage, difficult birth be cause for concern. Scientists say that caffeine and delivery of lowweight babies. can have an effect on the growing brain and that it People who drink alcohol may cause a decline in the body's immune system. The effects of combining energy drinks with alcohol For now, health authorities have determined that are not yet fully understood, but there have been energy drinks are generally safe for consumption, serious concerns about such ‘cocktails’ for some with some cautions. time. There have been reports of young people dying, possibly as a result of mixing of alcohol and Who should avoid energy drinks? energy drinks. Children Active sportspeople The Australian Consumers’ Association advises Unlike sports drinks such as Gatorade that that while energy drinks may be scientifically safe, replenish minerals and water lost during exercise, young people especially need to be aware of their energy drinks with caffeine can cause dehydration. contents. Research shows that children and young The combination of dehydration and exercise can people who consume energy drinks may suffer be dangerous. sleep problems, bedwetting and anxiety. Children who consume two or more cans of energy drinks a Following negative reports about their effects, day may become irritable and anxious. many countries are warning people not to consume energy drinks after a heavy workout. Some When thinking about whether or not to allow your countries ban the sale of energy drinks. child to consume energy drinks, it is useful to consider the follow factors: Others •Would you be comfortable with your child•with heart disease people drinking a cup of strong coffee?Most energy•people caffeinesensitive drinks contain around the same amount of Manufacturers’ labels advise all consumers not to caffeine as a strong cup of coffee, and nearly exceed 2–5 cans per day. Others advise to keep twice as much as in a cola drink.them out of the reach of children. But labels can be confusing—often people think they must have the •Are you concerned about your child’s sugar maximum amount to get the benefits they are after. intake?Some energy drinks, such as Red Bull, contain high amounts of sugar (equal to around The verdict on energy drinks 5 teaspoons per 250 ml can). Evidence is beginning to emerge that energy •Will the drink enhance your child’s wellbeing, drinks may be harmful to some members of our or is it potentially harmful?There is little (if any) community. It may be best to avoid giving these evidence of nutritional value in most energy drinks to children under age 10. With older children drinks. Some energy drinks are said to include and young people, watch closely the amount of natural vitamins and minerals, but these can be energy drinks they consume as well as any effects easily obtained from simple foods such as on their mood or behaviour. If you are unsure or fresh fruit and vegetables. would like further advice, consult your doctor or •How old is your child?Very little is known other health professional. about the health effects of caffeine, so it is best For information about drugs and drug prevention, or to access other fact sheets and reports, see our website atwww.druginfo.adf.org.auor contact the Resource Centre on tel. 1300 85 85 84. page 2 of 2

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