Moderation at risk in youth

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.