Are energy drinks safe for use by young people? What are the safety implications?
Energy drinks often contain taurine, caffeine, herbal supplements, sugars as well as sweeteners and they are usually different from vitamin waters and sports drinks (Sara M. Seifert, 2011). Energy drinks are not safe for consumption by young people because of their adverse effects. They can cause serious challenges to the health of youth. The most popular ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine. Even though caffeine enhances attention, it also raises blood pressure and causes sleep disturbances in children. Caffeine can also cause severe cardiovascular conditions when taken in large amounts. Young people often abuse this energy drinks by consuming many bottles of such drinks in a day. This can cause addiction to caffeine which is an ingredient in energy drinks (Sara M. Seifert, 2011). Habitual caffeine users may have withdrawal symptoms like dulled cognition as well as headaches in case they fail to take caffeine.
Even though the main ingredient used in energy drinks is caffeine, many additives can increase the concentration of caffeine, particularly guarana, cocoa, and kola nut. Since manufacturers are not obliged to specify the content of caffeine of other ingredients in their drinks, the actual concentration of caffeine might be more than the amount of the label. This shows that when young people consume these energy drinks, they take in a lot of caffeine in their body which is not healthy (Shelina Visram, 2016). Energy drinks may also facilitate the onset of various other conditions like kidney failure, liver damage, seizures, hypertension and even heart failure.
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Should the purchase of energy drinks be regulated? Why or why not?
The purchase of energy drinks should be regulated because the drinks contain significant amounts of stimulants like caffeine which is not healthy for our body. Young people combine energy drinks with alcoholic beverages which increases the risks of consuming such beverages. Minors should not be allowed to buy energy drinks because they are too young to realize the adverse effects of such beverages.
References
Sara M. Seifert, J. L. (2011). Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics , 511-528.
Shelina Visram, M. C. (2016). Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a rapid review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes. BMJ , 10.
