The energy drink market
is one of the fastest growing among beverage and supplement industries. Is the product’s quality keeping up with the
high demands of a modern and fast paced lifestyle? I am worried that there are
vulnerable portions of the young population drinking these beverages unaware of
the negative effects. The energy drinks
are not fully disclosing the amounts of stimulant per serving, such as
caffeine, nor is the quality of their education over the ingredients
sufficient.
Amongst youth half have
reported drinking an energy drink out of curiosity about the taste and to
experience the energy behind the claim.
Although it is reported that even college students are undereducated on
the ingredients of the drinks and unaware about the healthy dosage of caffeine
in one’s diet. As a student I am like
the rest seeking a stimulant to boost performance in the library as well as the
gym. I know a safe and moderate daily dose of caffeine is about 200 mg, while
mayo clinic’s website reports that 500 mg is a heavy dose where negative effects like irritability, tachycardia, and
muscle tremors may be experienced. But as an adult I can accept the
consequences as an informed consumer.
The industry is not
telling their consumers some simple warnings about healthy caffeine and sugar
intake for varying segments of the population. In youth a healthy dose of caffeine
is much less and young adults often don’t understand moderation, especially
when alcohol is involved. Vulnerable
populations like diagnosed ADHD, eating disorder, or diabetes are susceptible
to much harsher consequences of consuming energy drinks and I hope to see more
talk on the appropriate use of supplements in youth today.
