If you’ve managed to get a glimpse or heard about beverage-related news, you’re more likely see and hear questions arising about the increasing use of energy drinks, particularly by children and teenagers. Given that the energy drink market has increased by over 75% in the past year, and the non-energy carbonated drink market has actually declined for the first time in 20 years, it just goes to show that more and more people are using these beverages, which raises questions both for those who enjoy energy drinks and for parents of kids or teens who may be fans of Red Bull, Jolt, Rockstar, among the many brands in the market.

Energy drinks and Their Ingredients

Energy drinks are typically a cocktail of sugars, amino acids, caffeine, and herbal supplements such as gurana and ginseng. They are not to be confused with something like Gatorade, which is intended as a fluid replacement and to help replenish the athlete’s electrolytes. Energy drinks on the other hand are intended for short-term bursts of alertness and energy, the “caffeine rush” that has fueled many programmers, drivers and college students working late into the night or beyond their accustomed sleep schedule.

Energy Drinks and Young People

Health professionals and experts express concern at the effects of caffeine on young people are not as well-known  as its effects on adults, as well as the fact that clinical studies of some of the exotic ingredients like ginseng, gurana and taurine are lacking. Others have pointed out that their only major concern is that people recognize the potential of these drinks and make use of them in moderation – in fact, most manufacturers of these drinks indicate on their packaging that they are not intended for fluid replacements and that there is a maximum advisable consumption per day. However, the American Food and Drug Administration has given caffeine a GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe), and it does not specify a maximum allowable daily intake of these types of beverages.

The General Consensus

Energy drinks are not health drinks; that is the general consensus, but they pose no threat to a healthy adult when consumed in moderation. Since so little is known about caffeine’s effect on children, the simple comparison is to coffee – 1-2 cups of coffee per day represents a caffeine intake no greater than that present in 1-2 of most leading energy drinks – and if you’re concerned about your son or daughter’s intake of energy drinks, examine the ingredients and ensure that they understand the type of beverage they are drinking, but also make sure to compare it to their (or your) caffeine intake in making any decision.

Excessive caffeine intake is believed to be undesirable but clinical studies have shown effects ranging from no harm to demonstrable positive effects on circulation, metabolism and mental alertness. As with any food or drink, it is important for an individual to know their own body and their own limits. Energy drinks may be a perfectly healthy alternative to drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages but it’s very important to take care of one’s body and consume a proper diet – energy drinks do feel magical but the manufacturers agree that there can be no substitute for proper exercise, rest and good nutrition.