One of the fastest growing trends in the US market today is energy drinks and supplements. With $9 billion of sales and an increasing number of adults 18-35 years old using them, energy drinks are becoming a part of our culture. However, they have been linked to heart problems and even death. This is worsened with the mix of alcohol and energy drinks. In the US, supplements have annual sales over $25 billion. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers supplements as a category of foods, not drugs. Thus, there is less regulation of these products. So what are the effects of these products?
With energy drinks, many take these to have increased alertness and improved mental performance.
Most of these drinks contain increasing amounts of caffeine along with vitamins and herbs. They can cause heart arrhythmias, emergency room visits and even seizures. They have been associated with deaths and have been banned in some European countries. Food supplements are taken by many to increase the nutrients that are felt to be deficient. The quality of these supplements cannot always be confirmed. Thus, some questions about safety are always present with supplements.
Partha’s Prescriptions:
- Educate yourself. Understand what you’re putting in your body, including dietary
supplements. Please ask your doctor before starting any supplements. - Understand the potential risks of energy drinks. Again, be careful what you put in
your body. - Do not mix caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol. The effects could be deadly.
- Educate your children about the potential risks of energy drinks. Help them make
healthy choices.
Remember- make healthy living part of every day.
Namaste
~The Light in Me Honors the Light in You. – Dr. Nandi.
Very intriguing article on the often-discussed and important topic of energy drinks. I think it is wise for the consumer to be careful in choosing an energy drink to consume, if they choose to do so. Many individuals may avoid reading the nutrition labels, which will quickly identify the massive amounts of added sugar and caffeine within that product, as well as a list of ingredients they likely will not be able to pronounce. As a result, it may be better to opt for water or natural, no sugar added juice instead of an energy drink altogether. Even better, going for a quick ten to fifteen minute afternoon walk may give you the energy you need to power through the remainder of your day. I think the dangers of energy drinks are widespread–largely because of the unknown products within them.