Energy Drinks

THE JOLTING TRUTH

Some things to think about

In 2008, more than 270 new energy drinks were launched worldwide.*

The energy drink market is a 4.8 billion per year industry.*

As soda consumption decreases, energy drinks are filling in the gap.

35% of U.S. teenagers report that they consume energy drinks (as compared to 19% in 2003)*

Energy drinks are marketed to kids, teenagers and college students.

*Mintel Global New Products Database

*

Dangers in energy drinks

Caffeine intoxication resulting in increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure is possible from ENERGY DRINKS that can contain as much caffeine as 5 cans of Coca-cola.

Caffeine intoxication requires medical attention. Nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia and increased blood pressure are some symptoms of intoxication.

Potentially unsafe ingredients

www.energyfiend.com

The Story on Caffeine

Caffeine is a drug and should be consumed in moderation, if desired

Moderation is defined as 300 mg. caffeine daily or the equivalent of approximately 2 cups of coffee

Individuals differ in their sensitivity to caffeine, so listen to your body

Pros & Cons of Caffeine

In small doses it may…..Help prevent type 2 diabetes & liver disease including liver cancer.Possibly improve treatment outcomes in patients with Parkinson diseaseImprove short concentration and performance

In large doses it may cause serious health effects.

Powering Up or Dragging Down?

Drinking these products during exercise may cause unwanted symptoms:

•Increase blood pressure

•Increase heart rate

False claims promise improved performance in class or on the field.

*energyfiend.com

RockstarSize-16 oz.Caffeine160 mg*

NOSSize-16 oz. Caffeine260 mg*

IS IT WORTH TAKING THE RISK?

These drinks can have the following side

effects:

•Nervousness

•Sleeplessness

•Anxiety

•Severe Headache

•Upset Stomach

•Increased Heart Rate

Vault Size-16 oz.Caffeine115 mg

Red Bull Size-8.3 oz.Caffeine80 mg

Don’t believe everything you read…

Energy Drinks are NOT regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any governing agency.

Manufacturers can mix a variety of ingredients in these products without any agency checking the safety.

Manufacturers add taurine and guarana to imply health benefits. There is NO scientific evidence that these are beneficial.

Know what you’re drinking

Energy drinks are not “natural alternatives”.

Energy drink manufacturers are not required to label ingredients including caffeine content.

Manufacturers do not need to guarantee consistency or safety in their products.

Energy drinks and sports don’t mix!

Caffeine amounts in drinks may exceed the allowed limits for NCAA athletes. Side effects may also include anxiety and stomach upset.

Energy Drinks & Alcohol

A SERIOUS MATTER Combining energy drinks and alcohol can

be dangerous The stimulant effect can make someone feel

less intoxicated.So …..someone may use more alcohol to feel

the effect and are at a higher risk for risky behavior.

It doesn’t matter how you feel….your blood alcohol concentration is the same.

“Energy Drinks” without the caffeine

TRY THESE:Orange Juice

(100% fruit juices)Milk

V8 FusionThese drinks have nutritional value,

taste great, DO NOT contain caffeine and are much less

expensive.

Average Cost Energy Drinks:

NOS 16 oz$2.49

Rockstar 16 oz$2.49

Full Throttle 16 oz$1.99

Red Bull 16 oz$4.00

Non caffeinated choices:

Milk 16 oz $ .62

Orange Juice 16 oz $ .66 (100% fruit juice)

V8 Fusion 16 oz $ .87

Resources at the University of New Hampshire

Health Services Offers nutrition counseling for free to allstudents who have paid the Health Fee. (603) 862-3823www.unh.edu/health-servicesFacebook/Twitter: UNHHealth

References:

• UNH Health Services: Office of Health Education and Promotion “Sleep” 2007; “Managing Stress” 2007; “Red Bull, Cocaine, Full Throttle, RockStar, Blak, Monster... Hype or Harm?” 2007. <www.unh.edu/health-services>

• “Caffeine and Energy Boosting Drugs: Energy Drinks” Oct. 2008. <www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/atod/energydrinks.htm>

• Question of the month – ‘What are “energy drinks” all about?’ January 2003. <www.eatright.org >

• “MillerCoors Buckles to AG Pressure.” September 2008. <www.marininstitute.org>

• Center for Science in the Public Interest – “Caffeine Content of Food & Drugs.” September 2007. <www.cspinet.org>

• “How much caffeine is in your daily habit?” October 2007. <www.mayoclinic.com>

• “New caffeine counts put a number to your buzz.” November 2008. <www.globeandmail.com>