Ames, Iowa--Last year’s launch of more than 500 new energy drinks created a $2.3 million business. “Although energy drinks are frequently touted to provide a ‘burst of energy’ consumers need to be careful label readers to know where exactly that burst is coming from,” said Ruth Litchfield, Iowa State University Extension nutrition specialist.
Almost one-third of U.S. teenagers (7.6 million) consume energy drinks. They choose advertised drinks when cramming for exams, participating in athletics or looking for a “buzz.”
“That buzz comes from stimulants, such as caffeine and guarana,” Litchfield said. “Label ingredient lists may include the names, but consumers have no way to know how much of each is in a product unless the manufacturer chooses to list amounts. Current nutrition labeling laws do not require manufacturers to disclose how much caffeine is in a product. The amount of guarana and other stimulants is also often unlisted.”
As recent news reports have shown, individuals may not even discover their sensitivity to the effects of stimulants until drinking one or more of the popular products.
“The resulting headaches, heart arrythmias or elevated blood pressure can be frightening and/or life-threatening in some circumstances,” Litchfield said.
Tests of popular high energy drinks show some having 15 to 93 milligrams per serving more caffeine than carbonated sodas. Others contain more caffeine than a Starbucks Doubleshot (106 mg per serving) or twice as much caffeine as a can of Coke or Pepsi.
“Add in a shot of guarana and you have a drink with a significant amount of stimulant,” Litchfield said.
Instead of reaching for a bottle or can when you need an energy boost, Litchfield recommends lacing up a good pair of shoes.
“The neurotransmitters, such as endorphins and serotonin, released in response to exercise provide what is commonly referred to as a ‘runners high,’” Litchfield said. “Take the initiative to create your own natural stimulants. Even better, gather like-minded friends and join a Lighten Up Iowa team. See http://www.lightenupiowa.org.”
SIDE BAR:
Bottom line on energy drinks
• Energy drinks have high levels of sugar. When accompanied by inactivity, those extra calories produce stored energy in the form of weight gain.
• Energy drinks have high levels of caffeine. Caffeine is classified as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system by increasing heart rate and causing an individual to be feel more alert. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches and can interfere with normal sleep.
• Energy drinks provide few if any of the needed vitamins and minerals provided by healthier beverage choices, such as low fat milk and 100 percent fruit juice. Even plain water is a better choice for most individuals.
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