StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Possible Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy Drinks - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "The Possible Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy Drinks" states that energy drinks are extremely rich in calories and contain a lot of carb content especially high sugar and fructose content which leads to obesity, tooth decay and increased risk of getting diabetes type 2…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER95.8% of users find it useful
The Possible Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy Drinks
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Possible Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy Drinks"

Sub Department The possible benefits and health risks associated with energy drinks Outline An energy drink(ED) can be defined as a kind of drink that contains stimulant drugs mostly caffeine and promoted as offering both physical and mental stimulation. Most EDs contain sugar, amino acids, herbal extracts and sweeteners and could either be carbonated or not. Over the past 2 decades, there has been a growing consumption of EDs especially amongst young men. This paper seeks to explain their prevalence in various countries such as the US, France and Australia. Energy drinks are purported to have various benefits which include boosting energy amongst the users, maximising workouts for athletes/individuals as well as their usage as convenient drinks. EDs are also purported to enhance alertness and performance .In addition, the paper will also examine the various risks associated with ED which include undesirable effects of caffeine, dangers of mixing EDs with alcoholic beverages, addiction to the drink as well as weight gain which may result in obesity and other cardiovascular ailments. Nevertheless, consumption of energy drinks continues to rise and several people fall prey to the advertising of these drinks. There is therefore need for more research as well as practical steps to protect public health, especially vulnerable individuals such adolescents and pregnant women. (I)Introduction (A)Definition Energy drinks(ED) can be described as beverages that are typified by the addition of different energy-enhancing elements and are claimed to enhance concentration, athletic performance, reaction time as well as basal metabolism (Burrows, et al, 2013).Energy drinks therefore contain modest to comparatively high concentrations and levels of caffeine, as compared with other beverages that contain caffeine such as cola. Energy drink’s popularity has increased exponentially, recording a 240 percent rise in sales from 2004-2009(Reissig, et al, 2009). (B)-Prevalence Thus, within the quickly growing beverage sector, there is dominance by Red Bull which commands 42% of the market share in the US. Red Bull in 2011 sold over 4 billion units in more than 160 states globally. Reports indicate that males aged18-34 years are the greatest consumers of EDs though increased consumption has also been reported amongst younger children as well. In addition, 31% of children aged between12-17 years and 34 percent of young adults aged between 18-24 years reported regular consumption of the energy drinks; with approximately 57 percent of college students claiming frequent use of energy drinks. Energy drink’s regulation comprising their health warnings and content varies globally. For instance in countries such as the US, energy drinks are not subjected to thorough regulation like other beverages because of their categorization as “supplements” whereas in France the initial form of Red Bull recipe was banned till 2008 because of the unidentified consequences of the taurine ingredient. Australia classifies these beverages as “formulated caffeinated beverages,” described as water-based, nonalcoholic beverages containing carbohydrates/sweeteners and caffeine and can also contain vitamins, amino acids as well as other substances intended for provision or achievement of perceived or real physiological effects (Burrow, et al, 2013). (II)Benefits of energy drinks (A)Boosts energy There are certain reasons that drive people to drinking energy drinks. These include; first and foremost EDs are perceived to boost energy and this is one of the reasons why this is the most sought after and largest benefit associated with energy drinks. Normally, depending on the size as well as caffeine content available in a given energy drink, an individual’s energy will shoot through the roof. (B)Maximizes Workout of athletes/individuals Secondly energy drinks assist in maximizing the workouts of an athlete/individual. This is quite common with athletes who drink energy drinks so as to maximize their workouts and training. After drinking these drinks, athletes are able to surpass their limit and do it for a prolonged period of time (Hayes & Laudan, 2009). (C)EDs are convenient drinks Thirdly, an ED is a convenient drink that can be grabbed and gulped immediately, effectively replenishing one’s energy. This is unlike the hassles involved in preparing coffee or tea. In addition, EDs are marketed for their stimulant effects as well as allegations that they can provide a wide range of benefits such as increased endurance, performance and attention. Most EDs contain caffeine popularly known as a strong ergogenic aid particularly in boosting performance (Burrows, et al, 2013). (III)Risks of energy drinks (A)Undesirable effects of caffeine Research indicates that consumption of energy drinks is potentially harmful because of the following risks; first and foremost caffeine has been linked with undesirable health effects especially in vulnerable individuals such as adolescents where it has been associated with sleep disturbances and high blood pressure .High caffeine consumption in pregnant women has also been linked to risk of still births and late miscarriages. Since caffeine tolerance differs from one individual to another; for majority of individuals, a 400 mg/day might lead to such symptoms as increased heartbeat, insomnia and restlessness (Ressing, et al, 2009). High dosages may also result in heart palpitations, increased urination, gastrointestinal disturbance, allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, breathing difficulties and headaches. (B) Dangers of mixing ED with alcohol Secondly, the art of mixing EDs with alcohol-which has become more prevalent than previously thought has been constantly associated with drinking huge quantities of alcohol per every drinking binge resulting to adverse alcohol-linked effects such as driving while under the influence and sexual assault (Ressing,et al,2009).Even though consumers may be under the feeling that caffeine offsets the severe effects of alcohol, studies have shown that individuals who mix ED with alcohol underrate their true impairment level(Ressing,et al,2009). C-Addiction- Thirdly and perhaps the most worrying trend is the likelihood that the neuropharmacologic effects of caffeine may have a role to play in the increased addiction noticed amongst ED drinkers. The sugar and caffeine contained in most energy drinks is addictive and may result in addiction such that ED drinkers are hooked to these drinks for a long period. (D) Obesity- Energy drinks can also result in weight gain this is because several of the EDs are full of sweeteners and sugars that result in weight gain. Energy drinks are also extremely rich in calories and contains a lot of carb content especially high sugar and fructose content which lead to obesity, tooth decay and increased risk of getting diabetes type 2.Too much consumption of energy drinks may result in cardiovascular problems. Individuals who take too much of EDs are at a high risk of experiencing cardiovascular ailments. These comprise of rapid and irregular heartbeat together with increased levels of blood pressure. In extreme cases, heart failure may result. Too much intake of EDs may affect a person’s ability to work properly (Arria & O’Brien, 2011). (IV)Conclusion Whereas more research is needed, so are practical steps to safeguard public health. In order to encourage informed consumer decisions, regulatory agencies must enforce specific labeling concerning caffeine content, with caution about risks linked to consumption of caffeine in pregnant women and adolescents together with explicit information regarding the possible dangers linked with mixing alcohol with energy drinks. Thus, the combined priority of health experts must be to enlighten the public regarding the known risks as well as industry officials together with servers cautioning consumers regarding the dangers of mixing energy drinks with alcohol (Gunja & Brown, 2012). Reference list Arria, A& OBrien, M 2011 "The "High" Risk of Energy Drinks." NIH Publci Access : p1-3. Burrows ,T, Pursey, K,Neve, M & Stanwell, P 2014 "What are the health implications associated with the consumption of energy drinks?A systematic review." Nutrition Reviews: pg 1-15. Gunja, N & Brown, J 2014 "Energy Drinks:health risks and toxicity." Research: p1-4. Hayes ,D & Laudan, R 2009 Food and Nutrition:Calories to energy drinks. New York: Marshall Cavendish,. The American Academy of Pediatrics,2011 Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Chilldren and Adolescents:Are They Appropriate? Clinical. Bouleveard: The American Academy of Pediatrics. Reissig, C, Strain, E &Griffiths, R 2009 "Caffeinated Energy Drinks-A Growing Problem." NIH Public Access: p1-16. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Energy drinks, possible benefits and health risks Essay”, n.d.)
Energy drinks, possible benefits and health risks Essay. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/health-sciences-medicine/1686820-energy-drinks-possible-benefits-and-health-risks
(Energy Drinks, Possible Benefits and Health Risks Essay)
Energy Drinks, Possible Benefits and Health Risks Essay. https://studentshare.org/health-sciences-medicine/1686820-energy-drinks-possible-benefits-and-health-risks.
“Energy Drinks, Possible Benefits and Health Risks Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/health-sciences-medicine/1686820-energy-drinks-possible-benefits-and-health-risks.
  • Cited: 1 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Possible Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy Drinks

Energy Drinks Usage

The paper "energy drinks Usage" discusses that it is important for individuals to refrain from the consumption of excessive energy drinks or any amount of energy drink at all.... Some people may however want to overcome fatigue without rest and they resort to energy drinks.... Students who wish to study overnight because of extreme demand are examples of people who may use energy drinks in order to overcome fatigue.... What such individuals using energy drinks should ask themselves is the chemical composition of such drinks is that restores their energy without much struggle....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy giving Drinks

The present essay entitled "benefits and health risks associated with energy giving Drinks" deals with the threat of energy drinks.... The primary objective of this research or report is to define the ingredients of energy drinks, categorize the possible benefits and effects that come along with this drinks, especially 'Monster and Redbull'.... The intended impact of energy drinks is to improve performance and provide sustenance, endurance, and concentration....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Energy Drinks Health Effects

The paper "energy drinks Health Effects" agrees on the fact that much of the properties and long-term effects of energy drinks are still unknown, and therefore, people should show increased carefulness and be fully aware of the potential health risks.... energy drinks are parts of a wide and still growing industry presented by a great variety of beverages offered by a variety of companies.... Yet, the production of energy drinks remains not properly controlled and there is no single standard that could define the permissible design of such beverages including which components and in what amount can be added....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Energy Drinks: Possible Benefits and Risks

The sector producing the sports and energy drinks is very big and is doing a lot of marketing to promote their sales.... Common consumers of energy drinks are high school students, college students,.... ports drinks include all the beverages having The difference between sports drinks and energy drinks lies in their contents.... Sports drinks have energy giving elements in them while energy drinks have stimulants.... 77) notes that both the sports and energy drinks have carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, sodium, proteins, and other minerals....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Consumption of Energy Drinks

The paper "benefits and health risks associated with Consumption of Energy Drinks" explains the benefits and dangers tied with taking energy drinks.... More inquiry is required to establish the prospective for negative health impacts associated with the growing usage of energy drinks.... The proof indicating negative health impacts because of the taking of energy drinks with chemicals is on the increase.... energy drinks may be helpful when during training and require further enhancement for tough training....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Benefits and Risks of Energy Drinks

Basically, the benefit associated with energy drinks is that they provide sustained and prolonged energy that can enable individuals to continue undertaking certain activities for a long time.... In addition, the essay stimulates other researchers to conduct more studies on this subject and illustrate how to deal with energy drinks.... energy drinks involve of beverages that are consumed primarily to boost energy especially in athletes and individuals who engage in strong physical activities....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Mixing Energy Drinks with Alcohol

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 'when alcoholic beverages are mixed with energy drinks, which is a popular practice among youth, the caffeine in these drinks can mask the depressant effects of alcohol' (CDC, 2010).... This paper discusses the ban on alcoholic energy drinks on college campuses.... The paper analyses health risks of mixing energy drinks with alcohol.... However, since the year 2010, Rutgers University has so far not banned alcoholic energy drinks....
13 Pages (3250 words) Research Paper

The Risk of Energy Drinks

This essay is being carried out to discuss the possible benefits and the health risks associated with energy drinks.... This paper also illustrates some reasons for people to consume energy drinks, among which are Monster, Power Horse, and Red Bull.... This research will begin with the statement that the energy drinks market is worldwide, and it is still growing year by year because of a great number of commercials and advertisements.... The companies that produce energy drinks show more benefits of energy drinks in their advertisements, and at the same time, they ignore the health risks to attract people to buy their beverages....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us