Energy Drinks: A continuing health hazard to our younger population

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What are some of the side effects?

Adolescents consuming energy drinks have often experienced jitteriness, nervousness, dizziness, inability to concentrate, gastrointestinal disturbances and insomnia.
Heath care providers are also reporting incidences of dehydration, accelerated heart rates, anxiety, seizures, acute mania and strokes.
Consuming a single can of energy drink could make the blood stickier and increase the risk of clotting.
High acidity and simple sugars in the energy drinks also increase the dissolution of tooth enamel.
'Energy drinks' are not same as 'sports drinks'. Athletes should avoid them, since some of the stimulants in the ingredients could be found on a list of banned substances.

The old adage still applies. If it's too good to be true - then it probably is!
To our readers: Do you consume these drinks? What is your body's response to them. Have you faced any health issues similar to what we have mentioned?

Geetanjali Kelkar, PhD
Dietitian
NutritionVista.com

References:
Pennington N, Johnson M, Delaney E, Blankenship MB. Energy Drinks: A New Health Hazard for Adolescents. J Sch Nurs. 2010 Jun 10.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull

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User Comments

16 July, 2010 | Geetanjali Kelkar | Reply

Gatorade is the most popular isotonic sports drink, containing 6-8% of carbohydrates, sodium and potassium. This combination enhances fluid absorption and maintains fluids and electrolyte balance after a strenuous bout of exercise. It is definitely better than aerated and energy drinks. For non-athletes and sedentary individuals coconut water, lime juice, fruit juice and lassi is a nutritionally adequate, environment friendly option.

15 July, 2010 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Hi Geetanjali what is your opinion on Gatorade?

13 July, 2010 | Ravi Mohan, | Reply

I have been worried about these energy drinks for quite a while - because our 22 year old son has the smaller bottles quite often- which I think are the concentrated type. I have sent him this article also, but he thinks this is a lot of junk and doesn't believe it.

He started these while playing football and now I think they are a habit with him.
He is 22 years old so I am unable to do anything - except hope and pray.
This is a good start for me-
Thanks,

13 July, 2010 | Sangeetha Narayana Swamy | Reply

Dear Ravi Mohan,

Your son is in the early adulthood stage where they want to decide on the good and bad things. So they tend to revolt.

What you can do is:
1) Sit and talk to him once or twice
2)When his friends are at home as a group, start a discussion on this topic and get their inputs too, if they have had any symptoms mentioned in the article
3) Get someone (who he looks up to/close)in the family to talk to him and explain about the ill-effects of getting addicted to energy drinks

Hope these suggestions work well for your son and you.

Thank you for your comment.

Regards,
Sangeetha Narayana Swamy,
Senior Dietitian,
Nutritionvista.com

13 July, 2010 | Ravi Mohan | Reply

Thank you Ms. Swamy. My wife and I have been worried for some time now and yes, everytime we talk about this, we fight.
Anuraag is very close to a dear friend of mine, so I will ask him to talk to Anuraag.
thanks
It is tough once they leave for college.

13 July, 2010 | Geetanjali Kelkar | Reply

Hello Mr Ram Mohan

You can advice your son to consume sports drinks that contain the right blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes- sodium and potassium and amino acids. These drinks help to regulate fluid and electrolyte balance and boost sports performance
Geetanjali Kelkar,PhD
Dietitian
NutritionVista

16 July, 2010 | Ravi Mohan | Reply

I did have a talk -as recommended and also asked he read this article. He is at that age where if I say yes, its a definite no from his end.
I will wait and watch and hope that knowledge about these drinks will give him some thought to pause before he consumes them.

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