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

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