Energy Drinks: A continuing health hazard to our younger population

Energy drinks: a continuing health hazard to our younger population
Though the media regularly tries to focus attention on the health hazards and addictive nature of Energy drinks there seems to be no momentum by the local health authorities to stop the spread of this hazard with an effective public awareness campaign.

Energy drinks fed by a marketing blitz are becoming increasigly popular, even gaining market share over colas. There is trending surge in their consumption as they are now available in the local supermarket check out displays -often in small sized, attractive concentrate forms. The hip fad driven youth are lured by the manufacturers campaign on their being a safe bet. These mega caffeine boosting drinks are starting to replace the effervescent sodas and aerated drinks as the unaware consumer incorrectly believes that these drinks are actually healthy and a preferable alternative to sodas.

So, what's up with these Energy drinks and why have they become such a global rage? Can it simply be the extra burst of energy they provide. For example a can of 'Red Bull' energy drink contain's 80mg of caffeine which is only equivalent to a cup of coffee, but is still much higher than the common colas. These energy drinks also contain stimulatory substances - guarana, glucuronolactone, taurine, ginseng, inositol, L Carnitine, B vitamins, glucose and sucrose that arouse the nervous system and elevate the body's metabolic rate. No, these drinks are not the next magic potion or energy elixir. The downside is that the energy kick or boost after intake is maximal for an hour and drops sharply in two to three hours. The sudden decline in energy leaves an individual wanting for more - leading to an addiction.

Energy drinks addiction has emerged as a new health hazard and studies are indicating their consumption can have negative side effects.