Should the Energy Drinks Be Banned in the United States - Research Paper Example

Should the Energy Drinks be banned in the United s? Energy drinks are designed to provide energy to people that consumes them. However, the drinks require being safe to the consumers so that they do not present undesirable effects. The Food and Drug Administration ensures that the products that gets into the market targeted for consumption are safe. Having raised a number of questions concerning their safety, energy drinks are at the center of contention on whether they should be banned or should have strict regulations. This paper puts into perspective the reasons why energy drinks should be banned in the United states market. Introduction There has been contention in the United States concerning the consumption of energy drinks. The contention has been linked to the detrimental effects of the drinks. Energy drinks have a history that dates back in the 1970s where Gatorade was among the first performance-enhancing drink to be developed. This drink gave way to others including Lucozade which was associated to some therapeutic benefits and of late, there are many energy drink brands in the market. Concerns about the safety of the drinks have been a cause of disagreement between the manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Largely, energy drinks are used more for recreational uses as opposed to dietary supplementation. To raise suspicion on the content and effects of the energy drinks, the manufacturers have been changing tactics with some claiming that their drinks are ‘energy free’, ‘zero carb’, or ‘zero-calorie’. One of the ingredients under scrutiny is caffeine, of which its consumption in high doses has been linked with life-threatening effects. On the other hand, there is very little research done on the various components of these energy drinks hence their health effects remains unknown. Therefore, the consumption of energy drinks should be banned within the United States. Health professionals have engaged in research that has shown that some of the components of the energy drinks are not safe for human consumption. On the other hand, the consumption amounts have not been defined hence creating an opportunity for the energy drinks to be abused especially by unsuspecting youths among other citizens. Background Media reports have highlighted incidences where energy drinks have been associated with deaths after people that consumed high doses of the drinks succumbed to their effects. On June 26, 2013, Monster energy was associated with the death of Alex Morris who died of cardiac arrhythmia after he took two cans of the energy drink (CBS Interactive, 2013). This is just one of several other cases that have been reported across within the United States as well as across the borders. The question that has continued to ring in the minds of concerned parties as pertains the safety of the energy drinks. Red Bull was among the first energy drinks to be introduced in the United States. This was followed by other brands, as at 2006, there were over 500 brands of energy drinks in the market with up to 200 of them having been launched and gaining market share in the country (Johnson, 2006). The products were viewed as fashionable hence; the products gained a wide acceptance especially among the youths. The widespread usage has made the drinks to appear at the center of controversy with death cases being reported. In addition, a number of side effects have been linked to the consumption of energy drinks. Therefore, it becomes necessary to address the issue of consumption of these energy drinks. Health Implications The government of United States has continued to invest on the health of its people. Any ingredient or product that is potentially dangerous to the populace should be made inaccessible to them. The government has invested heavily on the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that the products that are consumed in the United States are safe. Many health-related questions remain unanswered based on the confusion that revolves the trade and consumption in energy drinks. It has been established by Seifert et al (2011) that there are no therapeutic benefits whatsoever emanate from the consumption of energy drinks. Caffeine is one of the ingredients in the energy drinks. The health effects of caffeine are known, however, reports indicate that the content of caffeine in energy drinks is relatively higher. Caffeine has the capacity to stimulate the nervous system making an individual becoming stimulated hence helping boost energy as well as improving the mood of an individual. On the flipside, caffeine can be consumed in excess hence presenting caffeine intoxication. This condition can result to undesirable effects that come with symptoms such as stomach upsets, nervousness, psychomotor agitation, increase in heartbeat, insomnia, and anxiety. The WHO and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have recognized this condition. The problem of caffeine intoxication are contributed by the high levels in energy drinks coupled with aspects such as lack of labelling of the cans, advertising that does not highlight the potential hazards and consumption of the energy drinks by individuals across the divide, including children. Petitions by health professionals and researchers have been ongoing for a while. In 2008, a group of doctors and researchers petitioned FDA to increase the regulations of energy drinks; they cited the detrimental effects of caffeine (Reissig, 2008). Later on, a group of 18 doctors, public health experts, as well as researchers pushed FDA to implement stricter regulations for energy drinks in order to prevent caffeine intoxication especially among the adolescents (Meier, 2013). Caffeine, which is naturally found in coffee, has been in consumption for years, an aspect that helps the manufacturers to question allegations of caffeine intoxication. This has been a major challenge to FDA in developing laws that prevent the consumption of energy drinks. However, the federal agency has made steps towards the regulation of the products; in 1980, caffeine was eliminated from soft drinks based on their caffeine levels which FDA questioned their health implications. The agency successfully established maximum caffeine levels of 0.02% in 2003 (FDA, 2012). Despite setting the limits, FDA has not done in the implementation of the act. According to McCarthy and DesLauriers (2006), between 2002 and 2004, there were reported 41 cases of abuse of caffeine contained in beverages. These statistics indicate that the consumption of energy drinks are potentially hazardous to the users and should be consumed in the correct dosage. However, the regulation on reducing the caffeine levels in energy drinks requires to be stringently adhered to. Consumption of Energy Drinks by Youth and Children Concerns on the ingredients of the energy drinks raise many concerns. In most of the advertisement platforms, energy drinks have been perceived to be refreshing soft drinks. Uproar on the increased consumption of soft drinks by high school students has prevailed in the recent years. The energy drinks are purported to cause stimulation to the children hence they are able to keep awake for a long time. The statistics of usage of energy drinks is high among the youths aged 18 and 24 years. According to University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of Law up to 34% of the youth between 18 and 24 years consume energy drinks regularly. A survey by Seifert et al (2011) found out that the consumption of energy drinks among the adolescents and young adults ranged between 30% and 50%. The survey also indicated that 46% of the total caffeine overdose in the country in 2007 occurred to individuals below 19 years. In 2007, a motocross athlete almost succumbed to death after consuming eight cans of Red Bull within a span of 5 hours; According to the doctors, his heart stopped during the competition resulting to an accident that almost caused his life (Dasey, 2007). In another case, students that consumed the Spike Shooter brand of energy drink which caused the students to fall sick, the sale of the product was banned near schools and convenience stores (Simon and Mosher, 2007). The focus of the public awareness that results to the consumption hype of energy drinks is to bring forth the constituents that the users will be comfortable with. However, energy drinks are made up of many ingredients including sugars, stimulants, herbs, and vitamins among other constituents. Studies involving some of these constituents of energy drinks are non-conclusive. Therefore, the best thing that will help save the situation is to ban the soft drinks until these effects are substantiated. Addiction and Eating Disorders Addiction to soft drinks and reducing appetite for food is a reality. Energy drinks have high-energy content, which requires that individuals that consume the drink should be engaged in strenuous activities. Most of the young consumers are students hence the need for the energy is non-existent. In addition, the consumption of energy drinks has been associated with the increased consumption of alcohol and addiction thereby. The energy that gets into the body brings an effect that reduces the hunger pangs; therefore, a person becomes less dependent on food and lacks the urge to eat. Such are the predicaments of school going children that engage in energy drinks without bearing in mind the associated health implications, which include caffeine intoxication and addiction. Excessive caffeine consumption among the women is associated with miscarriages. Therefore, energy drinks poses a risk to young adults and children who continually consume the product. The manufacturers of a product that goes by the brand name Red Bull accept that their energy drink has the capacity of improving performance, the speed in which a person reacts as well as concentration. However, the perception among the young people that the consumption of energy drinks is fashionable has caused to increased consumption. Caffeine dependence is strongly associated with dependence on other substances especially drug-related substances. According to Kendler et al (2006), continued consumption of caffeine results to addiction, which in turn results to the development of psychiatric disorders. The overall effects are the individuals are likely to be addicts of cannabis, alcohol, and cocaine. These addictions cause a reduction in appetite hence the culprits develop poor eating habits. In addition, the caffeine dependent persons develop conditions such as antisocial personality disorder, panic disorder, as well as panic disorder. Unsubstantiated Claims Despite being faulted for the various harmful effects, there are unsubstantiated claims on the allegations that have been levelled against energy drinks. It is quite apparent that there are people that require energy boosts because of the type of engagements they are involved in. This is true especially for people that engage in intensive physical activities. Though the drinks have been claimed to be harmful to the health, gray areas do exist. Some of the ingredients in the energy drinks have been consumed in other products and there has been no effects addressed. A component of the energy drinks such as Guarana is a natural source of energy despite people developing mixed reactions towards the safety of the ingredient. On the other hand, the sugars used in energy drinks, especially sucrose and glucose have been known for years to supply energy to the body directly without undergoing through digestion. On the other hand, caffeine, which has been at the center of criticism, is a natural stimulant that has been consumed over the years. However, it is apparent that the major concern is the amount of caffeine that is embedded in the energy drinks; such may call for regulation as opposed to banning. Conclusion Energy drinks have been a cause of addiction especially to young people, resulting to eating disorders. It is also apparent that they have high levels of caffeine, which has underlying detrimental effects especially inducing symptoms that affect the heart and the mind. These health conditions warrant the drinks to be banned in the United States in order to protect the consumers. It is also a major concern that the young adults and adolescents have massively consumed the drinks. As a result, incidences of caffeine intoxication have been reported including some deaths. Energy drinks are also faulted for inducing consumption of alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis. Although there are claims that have been not substantiated about the detrimental effects of energy drinks, evidence has shown that their safety is not guaranteed. Therefore, the energy drinks should be banned from the United States market. References CBS News Interactive. (2013). Monster energy drink linked to another teen’s death, lawsuit filed. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/monster-energy-drink-linked-to-another-teens-death-lawsuit-filed/ Dasey, D. (2007). Man’s heart stops after Red Bull overdose. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/08/18/1186857834956.html Johnson, C.K. (2006). Caffeine-Stoked energy drinks worry docs. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900290.html Kendler, K.S., Myers, J., Gardner, O.C. (2006). Caffeine intake, toxicity and dependence and lifetime risk for psychiatric and substance use disorders: an epidemiologic and co-twin control analysis. Psychol. Med. 36, 1717–1725. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16893482 McCarthy, D., Mycyck, M., DesLauriers, C. (2006). Hospitalization for caffeine abuse is associated with concomitant abuse of other pharmaceutical products. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 48(4), 101. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18774047 Meier, B. (2013). Doctors urge FDA to restrict caffeine in energy drinks. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/business/doctors-urge-fda-to-restrict-caffeine-in-energy-drinks.html?_r=0 Reissig, C. J., Strain, E. C. & Griffiths, R. R. (2008). Caffeinated energy drinks- A growing problem. Retrieved from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2008/Griffiths.pdf Seifert, S. M. et al. (2011). Health effects of energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults. Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. 127(3): 511-528. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065144/ Simon, M. & Mosher, J. (2007). Alcohol, energy drinks, and youth: a dangerous mix. Marin Institute, San Rafael, CA. University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of Law. (2011). Energy drinks fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.law.umaryland.edu/programs/publichealth/documents/LRC_Energy_Drinks_Fact_Sheet.pdf FDA. (2012). New caffeine report shows no measurable change in consumption trends of the U.S. population. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofFoods/CFSAN/CFSANFOIAElectronicReadingRoom/UCM333191.pdf Research Outline Topic: Should the energy drinks be banned in the United States? Research Question: why or why not should energy drinks be banned in the United States? Database/ Search Engine: Google / ProQuest/ EBSCOhost Words Used to refine the search for the topic: Energy drinks in the United States Ban energy drinks in United States Cases involving energy drinks United States Additional Keywords: Caffeine effects in energy drinks Death from energy drinks Adolescents, teenagers, and energy drinks Effects of energy drink consumption Article Title: Caffeine Intake, toxicity and dependence and lifetime risk for psychiatric and substance abuse disorders: an epidemiologic and co-twin control analysis. Authors: Kendler Kenneth, Myers John & Gardner O. Gardner. Source: KENNETH S., K., JOHN, M., & CHARLES O., G. (2006). Caffeine intake, toxicity and dependence and lifetime risk for psychiatric and substance use disorders: an epidemiologic and co-twin control analysis. Psychological Medicine, 36(12), 1717-1725. Authenticity of the Article: The article is of academic quality since it is based on a research evidence published in the Psychological Medicine journal. The authors are also credible researchers based at the Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics. Information from Reference List important for searching Health effects of energy drinks Energy drinks and youth Caffeine in energy drinks Toxicity of energy drinks Pros and Cons Should the energy drinks be banned in the United States? Pros (yes, they should be banned) Energy drinks are addictive They contain much caffeine, which is dangerous to the consumers They facilitate consumption of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine The safety of their ingredients is doubtful They have been linked to death Cons (No, they should not be banned) No substantiated claims FDA has approved the use of energy drinks People who engage in heavy exercises need energy drinks They contribute substantially to the economy Specific Evidence Quotation “Maximal lifetime caffeine intake and caffeine-associated toxicity and dependence are moderately associated with risk for a wide range of psychiatric and substance use disorders” (Kenneth, John & Charles, 2006). Paraphrase Uptake of caffeine above optimal levels can result to addiction and toxicity. These conditions results to mental-related conditions as well as consumption of drugs of abuse. Quotation “Energy drinks have no therapeutic benefit, and many ingredients are understudied and not regulated” (Seifert et al 2011) Paraphrase It is evident that there is no medical value that is attached to energy drinks. However, it is clear that the components of the energy drinks are not well studied and no regulations have been developed for them. Background Information Notes What controversial issue is being argued? The controversial issue entails the consumption of energy drinks in the United States based on their purported dangers. Who is directly involved in or affected by the controversy? All the consumers of energy drinks are affected and by extension, the entire country is affected. Where is this controversy taking place? The controversy affects the entire geographical region of the United States. Greatly affected are large cities such as New York where consumption is high. When and how did the controversy start? The controversy began after a number of people claimed to have suffered some symptoms after the consumption of the energy drinks. Likewise, some people are reported to have lost lives after consuming the energy drinks. What people are on each side of the issue? Pro (support banning of energy drinks) Doctors, researchers, and public health officials Con (Against) Manufacturers Youth Why are people divided over this issue, and how do their viewpoints differ? Those who oppose the ban are focused on protecting their interests while those opposed are protecting the health of the society. What specific solutions to the controversy have been suggested? FDA to conduct a thorough research in order to substantiate the claims against energy drinks. How might the controversy be solved? Using research findings to conclude whether the energy drinks are safe or not. Three Research Questions 1 Should the energy drinks be banned in the United States? 2 Should caffeine levels in energy drinks be regulated in the United States? 3 Should energy drinks be banned among the children and adolescents? Working thesis statement; The sale and consumption of energy drinks should be banned within the United States. Arguments (Why they should be banned) They are addictive and result to abuse of substances such as alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis. They cause side effects and are associated with caffeine intoxication. They have no health and therapeutic benefits. Quote Paraphrase On June 26, 2013, Monster energy was associated with the death of Alex Morris who died of cardiac arrhythmia after he took two cans of the energy drink (CBS Interactive, 2013). Quote Paraphrase Red Bull was among the first energy drinks to be introduced in the United States. This was followed by other brands, as at 2006, there were over 500 brands of energy drinks in the market with up to 200 of them having been launched and gaining market share in the country (Johnson, 2006). Quote Paraphrase It has been established by Seifert et al (2011) that there are no therapeutic benefits whatsoever emanate from the consumption of energy drinks. Caffeine is one of the ingredients in the energy drinks. Quote Paraphrase In 2008, a group of doctors and researchers petitioned FDA to increase the regulations of energy drinks; they cited the detrimental effects of caffeine (Reissig, 2008). Quote Paraphrase Later on, a group of 18 doctors, public health experts, as well as researchers pushed FDA to implement stricter regulations for energy drinks in order to prevent caffeine intoxication especially among the adolescents (Meier, 2013). Quote Paraphrase A survey by Seifert et al (2011) found out that the consumption of energy drinks among the adolescents and young adults ranged between 30% and 50%. The survey also indicated that 46% of the total caffeine overdose in the country in 2007 occurred to individuals below 19 years. Quote Paraphrase In 2007, a motocross athlete almost succumbed to death after consuming eight cans of Red Bull within a span of 5 hours; According to the doctors, his heart stopped during the competition resulting to an accident that almost caused his life (Dasey, 2007). Quote Paraphrase In another case, students that consumed the Spike Shooter brand of energy drink which caused the students to fall sick, the sale of the product was banned near schools and convenience stores (Simon and Mosher, 2007). Read More