Manufacturers of energy drinks are coming under pressure from governments and regulatory bodies following concerns about the health impacts of their products on teenagers and other at-risk groups. Typically, drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Mother and Cocaine contain a cocktail of caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone and sugar. And they are heavily promoted to shift workers, students and long-haul drivers.
Local standards
An estimated $15 million was spent in 2009 alone on marketing by the energy drinks industry in Australia. It’s obviously money well spent; energy drink sales account for one in five beverages sold by convenience stores. The caffeine content of a can of Red Bull – 80 milligrams for a 250 millilitre can – is roughly the same as a standard cup of coffee. But such potent energy drinks have recently caused concern in the health profession.
In Australia and New Zealand, energy drink manufacturers are required to print a health warning on all cans stating: "This food contains caffeine and is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women and individuals sensitive to caffeine". They are also expected to advise consumers to limit intake to a maximum of two cans in one day.
Health risks
There’s growing international concern about the likely negative health effects of energy drinks. A growing body of research evidence directly links energy drink consumption to cardiovascular risk and other adverse health outcomes...
Read the full article at The Conversation.
