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The dangers of energy drink abuse |
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From the Youth Service Bureau
We all need a boost of energy every now and then. When it comes to today’s teenagers, sodas and sports drinks are no longer the drink-of-choice. Teens have resorted to powerful energy drinks for an energy alternative. While the drinks are not usually harmful if consumed with care, they become highly dangerous when abused.
Marketing gurus have devised ingenious ways to attract youth and young adults to energy drinks by bombarding the younger generation with provocative advertisements and visually stimulating products. Because of this aggressive approach, a large number of companies are flourishing at the expense of teen health.
Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine. Too much caffeine can cause irregular heart rhythms, an unsafe increase in blood pressure, sleep deprivation, and involuntary shaking. Many students and high-school athletes are now replacing their sports drinks with these highly caffeinated beverages, resulting in serious medical complications and even death. What’s more, every-day students are relying on energy drinks to keep them awake and alert in school.
Mainstream energy drinks can contain anywhere from 150 – 500mg of caffeine. Popular sodas contain around 35mg of caffeine per can. If a teen consumes only one energy drink in a sitting, he or she would likely consume four to twelve times more caffeine than a can of soda. Given the popularity of these beverages, it should not be surprising for parents to see their teen consume multiple energy drinks in a short period of time.
What can you do to control energy drink abuse?
1) Thoroughly research the many energy drinks that are available. Next time you shop at your local grocery store or visit the convenience store, note the nutrition labels on the back of the beverages. Because many energy drinks are not regulated by the FDA, companies distributing energy drinks may intentionally guarantee that nutrition information does not make it on the label.
2) After you have done research, talk with your teens about energy drinks. Sit down and discuss the complications that can arise if too much is consumed. Allow them to ask questions, because they are more than likely unfamiliar with the ingredients in an energy drink. Most teenagers see the vitamin content on the nutrition label and assume the beverage will provide a healthy boost of energy.
3) Stock up on fitness water, juice, or milk. If healthy beverage alternatives are easily accessible in the home, your teenagers are more likely to refrain from purchasing unhealthy drinks with their own money.
For more information on the dangers of energy drink abuse and how to control it, contact:
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