The Regulation of Consumption of Energy Drinks - Essay Example

Energy drinks al affiliation Energy drinks are non-alcoholic and sometimes carbonated drinks mostly used for recreational function and balancing the human body water content. Besides, the drinks contain sugars, amino acids, vitamins and a number of herbal extracts. There are various brands of energy drinks that are made up of gel, bars that are different from sports drinks. Coffee and tea are the natural caffeinated beverages that are not usually considered as energy drinks. Energy drinks can be divided into hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic drinks. Isotonic drinks acts as fluid replacers, especially after excessive sweating and exercise. Hypotonic drinks rehydrates the body after some quick exercises. Hypertonic solutions acts to provide energy to the body. Some soft drinks like soda, contains some caffeine, although they are not energy drinks. The mayo clinic, recommends for up to 400 mg intake of caffeine in one day enhancing its health benefits. The energy drinks, presents a number of both health benefits and risks which have been key in the regulation of consumption of energy drinks. The value of soft drinks cannot be underestimated; these are the major drivers of hydration in a human body, thus they present a number of benefits to enhance normal performance of the human body. This is achieved by the ease with which the drinks are absorbed into the systems. The rate of absorption is quite higher than the normal water due to its high osmolality, thus they can be used to achieve electrolyte balance, energy provision and quenching thirst (Clauson, Shields, McQueen & Persad, 2008). The drinks are made with balanced sweeteners, acidity, pleasant flavors, which make them more attractive to all customers irrespective of their different ages. Most of these products are formulated in the context of the society to meet various psychological constraints, nutritional needs, tastes of the population as a whole ranging from geriatrics to pediatrics. Energy drinks forms the largest percentage of the soft drinks today (Schneider, & Benjamin, 2011). The food and drug administration defines energy drinks as those that are in liquid form and containing caffeine. Energy drinks are most of the time added with supplements that promote the energy supply to an individual. Such products aids in restoration of an athlete’s performance, increase metabolism, and concentration. The number of health drinks in the world includes red bull, monster, full throttle, and Rockstar. The rapid restoration of energy on users is achieved by the fact that soft dirks are made up of soluble sugars that are extremely easy to administer. Besides, the soft drinks have minimal caloric intake, hence safe to use while on is checking on the intake of calories. At the same time, they can be formulated in a special way to provide essential minerals and vitamins more-so for young children. Thus, apart from the perceived recreational properties of the drugs, there are other nutritional benefits of the soft drinks (Schneider, & Benjamin, 2011). It enhances normal growth and metabolism among the users, however, its contents have to be controlled to obtain the optimal health standards advocated for in various parts of the world today. At the same time, there is sprawling industry that has seen increases in creation of returns between the manufactures to an excess of US$8. 9 billion The energy drinks come in with numerous risks and negative effects to the human heart, which is the reasons as to why there should be some moderation while consuming this drink. To begin with, there is vast evidence form scientific publication showing that there is a high caffeine content in some of the soft drinks. At the same time, the drinks have additional substances like Guarana taurine, vitamin B complex a number of other derivatives. Most of these derivatives are significant in enhancing alertness and alleviation of anxiety, however, when taken in large quantities as presented in some energy drinks, it can cause health effects that include palpitations and arrhythmias that are detrimental to the human health. When taken in large quantities, Caffeine is toxic just like any other substance, thus the control of its consumption is key while safeguarding the general populations health. Although, are minimal studies on the effectiveness of vitamin supplement alone as compared to the use of the vitamins with caffeine. There have been a number of media reports on caffeine intoxication. For instance, a 28-year-old competitor in motorcycle races was on the verge of losing his life after consuming about eight cans of red bull with a period of five hours (Seifert, Schaechter, Hershorin, & Lipshultz, 2011). Furthermore, added sugars in the red bull, have a large content of sugars that can lead to tooth decay. Due to its large caloric content, there are increased chances of its users developing chronic heart conditions. According to Reissig, Strain, & Griffiths (2009), consumption of energy drinks is harmful due to toxic effects that caffeine has on one’s general health. It can affect the normal heart rhythms if consumed for a long time in large quantities. Use of soft drinks and energy drinks in the United States is on the rise coming in second after water. These energy drinks have large sugar content, which at the end of the day is converted to fat. In fact, according to Arria, & O’Brien, (2011) obesity is mostly caused by the intake of sugary products. Children taking this drink regularly, have an 80 percent chance of developing diabetes type two in the process. Therefore, it is important for parents to monitor the intake of these sugary soft drinks by their children since it is the single most cause of one of the leading non-communicable diseases among children. Concisely, with the advent of soft drinks, there have been tremendous changes of the products contents and its use, which at the end of the day has various implications on the health of its users. The beverages have played an important role in various servings more so in quenching thirst and provision of energy at the same time on its users. Moreover, the products have added supplements that keep providing its consumers with essential vitamins. However the numerous safety issues that accompany the beverages, is warning sign to the users on the importance of using the products with a lot of moderation. Concisely, if one does overdose, self with the products, they are likely to suffer from its severe and unwanted effects. References Arria, A. M., & O’Brien, M. C. (2011). The “high” risk of energy drinks. JAMA, 305(6), 600-601. Clauson, K. A., Shields, K. M., McQueen, C. E., & Persad, N. (2008). Safety issues associated with commercially available energy drinks. Pharmacy Today, 14(5), 52-64. Reissig, C. J., Strain, E. C., & Griffiths, R. R. (2009). Caffeinated energy drinks—a growing problem. Drug and alcohol dependence, 99(1), 1-10. Schneider, M. B., & Benjamin, H. J. (2011). Sports drinks and energy drinks for children and adolescents: are they appropriate?. Pediatrics, 127(6), 1182-1189. Seifert, S. M., Schaechter, J. L., Hershorin, E. R., & Lipshultz, S. E. (2011). Health effects of energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults. Pediatrics, peds-2009. Read More