Energy Drinks ­– Sugar High, Sugar Low and Away We Go!

By Joan McDaniel               

The non-food energy drink industry has a large product line which is being aggressively marketed by high-profile athletes, sports companies and the mainstream media to teenagers and young people.  Some of these products are; AMP, 5-hour Energy shots, Monster Energy, Red Bull, Rock Star, and others. Labels on the containers state that they are “not recommended” for some consumers, including children — a group that beverage producers define as those under 12 years — and people “sensitive” to caffeine.

From the Red Bull Website their logo says “RED BULL GIVES YOU WIIINGS”

Labels on the containers state that they are “not recommended” for some consumers, including children — a group that beverage producers define as those under 12 years — and people “sensitive” to caffeine.

There has been increased media coverage and pressure on these Energy Drinks Company’s  due to several newspaper reports and a recent Food and Drug report. These reports address the claim that several people have died after drinking the energy drinks and that the energy drink makers are under investigation for misleading consumers.   Senator Dick Durban has called on the FDA to regulate the caffeine content in the drinks.

The FDA does not define the term “energy drink” by regulation, and, according to the Wall Street Journal, the drinks are actually more loosely regulated than traditional sodas, despite their higher content of caffeine and addition of other ingredients.

I do not plan to cover the validity of the claim, the law suits that are following, nor the life/death issue. I would like to cover the ingredients of some of these “Wonder drinks” that are being aggressively marketed. I do not consider these products to be good for your health.  I don’t think you will drop over dead immediately after consumption, but I do consider them dangerous to your health, wellness and well-being.

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