Energy Drinks and Your Health

First of all, we need to look at the most common ingredients in energy drinks...

 

There is no doubt that the major ingredient to increase energy in the drinks is caffeine. Caffeine increases alertness and concentration but in large doses it can be harmful. Most energy drinks are sold under the Australia New Zealand Food Standard Code. The maximum amount of caffeine allowed by the Code, for example in a 500 ml can of the regular energy drink, is 160 mg. This is equal to the amount of caffeine in two strong cups of coffee.

 But the Energy Shots are Energy shots are being sold in New Zealand as ‘dietary supplements’ under the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985. These regulations do not have requirements for specific labelling on caffeine and are often higher than the energy drinks.

 

Too much caffeine can cause headaches, rapid heart beat, and the jitters. Over time, too much caffeine could increase calcium excretion, compromising bone growth and putting people at risk for osteoporosis later in life. Caffeine should also be limited in pregnant women as it is related to an increased risk of miscarriage.

 

SO how much caffeine are you getting? 

Cup of coffee: 30 - 170mg

Cup of tea: 40 - 120mg

V (bottle): 109mg

V Black (large 500ml can): 155mg

Red Bull: 250ml

Demon 1l: 320mg

Demon 500ml: 160mg

Demon Energy Shot: 200mg

2: Taurine
Taurine is amino acid found in fish and meat, but is also sold as a supplement. Taurine is claimed to promote detoxification by binding together with harmful substances and thereby accelerating their excretion from the body. However little evidence to suggest that taurine is beneficial as a supplement. The European Food Union has rejected claims that taurine increases energy.

 

B-group vitamins play an important role in energy metabolism, including build-up and break-down of carbohydrates, fat and protein. However, there is no evidence to suggest that B Vitamins will increase energy. Most of us get enough B Vitamins from eating a balanced diet. 

 

So, the only ingredient that will increase energy in energy drinks is caffeine.

 

Too many energy drinks can cause problems. Recently a 15-year-old girl collapsed at school and needed to be treated by paramedics. She had consumed two energy shots on an empty stomach. 

 

However, in moderation, energy drinks are safe. But because they are high in sugar, I’d recommended these only as a very occasional thing. You would be better to have a cup of coffee, as coffee would provide the same amount of caffeine with none of the sugar, and be a fraction of the cost.