REPORTEnergy drinks and their harmful effects on children and adultsAccess to Humanities, Group ASubmitted by: Ghousia Ahmad Date: 3-10-2018? Table of Contents:1. Background2. Terms of references3.
Procedure4. Introduction5. Consumption and Regulation of Energy Drinks in the U.
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K.6. Harmful effects of Energy Drinks on Children7. Harmful effect of Energy Drinks on Adults8. Conclusions9. Recommendations 10. Sources1.
Introduction:The world with millions of people are enjoying Energy Drinks for more than 30 years. They were originated from Japan during the 1960s and become famous in Europe during 1980s-1990s. Energy Drinks are basically non-alcoholic drinks which consists of stimulants such as a high level of caffeine and sugar with other ingredients such as taurine (an amino acid), Guarana (a plant) Ginseng (a herb), B vitamins (such as Thiamine and cobalamin), Carnitine (taken from amino acids and carbohydrates). They help us to stay alert and prevents fatigue and tiredness.
There is also a belief that they help to improve concentration, increase your endurance and enhance energy. Energy Drinks are different from sports drinks which are used to replace water and electrolytes (minerals) after physical activities and from tea and coffee with few ingredients and can be decaffeinated. Energy Drinks have the same amount of caffeine as in coffee. Different energy drink brands have the caffeine content ranges between 50mg to 500mg per bottle. The following table shows the amount of caffeine present in different beverages. Drinks Caffeine mg/litreTea 169-211 mg (varies)Coffee, brewed 300-580mg (varies)Coffee, instant 300-467mg (varies)Espresso 600-1700mg (varies)Cola 95-130mgCola (Diet) 110-141mgCoca-Cola Classics 100.05mgPepsi 104 (varies)1.
Consumption and Regulation of Energy Drinks in U.K.: In 2016, consumption of Energy Drinks in UK increased by 2.6% and worth almost 2 billion.
It also has an important influence in the UK economy covering 5% of soft drink business. The Consumer Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 which became effected on December 2014, is responsible for regulating Energy Drinks. It also has a law for the labelling of beverages which have caffeine more than 150mg/litre by including a line: “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women”.This method has been adopted by the UK’s industries since 2010. In addition, UK’s Energy Drink industries have agreed with BSDA (British Soft Drink Association) code of practices that they will not promote or market their products to young audience under age 16. Supporters includes Red Bull, Monster (Coca-Cola European partners) and Rockstar (A.
G. Ban).2.
Harmful effects of Energy Drinks on Children:U.K. has the highest percentage of consumers are the children and teenagers (ages 10-18), which is significantly higher among other 16 European countries revealed in a survey, it is revealed that people between 10-18 years. UK has the largest number who consumes Energy Drinks. The survey also stats that 13% are chronic consumers and are mostly boys or young males.Energy Drinks do not have any health benefits for children and rather do more harm than good. harmful impacts might be high blood pressure, vomiting and nausea.
Other health problems might include anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity and headaches (according to a study published in International Journal of Health Science, 2015). It is also associated with dental erosion (a Sweden’s Study) and obesity.According to the British Dietetic Association spokesperson Clare Thornton Wood explained:”High levels of sugar impact directly on obesity and tooth decay, both of which are known issues in children and adolescents. Meanwhile high caffeine intakes in children and adolescents can also raise blood pressure and interfere with concentration at school”.
She also added:”Young people suffering with eating disorders after use low calorie Energy Drinks to boost energy levels with the caffeine they contain whilst limiting calories.”And: “These individuals also at greater risk of health arrhythmia (irregular heart) from high doses of caffeine.”-Interview excerpt given to the independent newspaper (June 8, 2018)Energy Drinks are easy to get as they are cheap such as coke (70p) Monster (£1), Lucozade (£1) and Rockstar (99p). Secondly, through their promotion on sports channel and gaming sites, they successfully catch audience’s attention which are mainly boys and teenagers.
3. Harmful effect of Energy Drinks on adults:Energy Drinks are becoming equally popular among adults. Built on the identified side effects of caffeine, over consumption of Energy Drinks might lead to caffeine intoxication and withdrawal.
Furthermore, they can also cause sleep disorders such as insomnia and hyperactive behaviors. Similarly, high content of sugar might also lead to severe health issues such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and even psychological issues such as mood disorders, anxiety and depression. Research:In November 2015, a research was conducted by Mayo Clinic and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Its findings have strengthened the fact that Energy Drinks have harmful effects on both physical and psychological well-being. A sample of 24 healthy individuals were given 450ml (16 ounces) of energy drink on first day and a same amount of Placebo drink (a drink similar to energy drink in color, taste and texture but has no effect). Results show that there was a significant 74% increase in the Norepinephrine (a stress hormone chemical) because of energy drink, whereas, it only increased up to 31% after consuming placebo drink.
Dr Anna Svatikova, a Mayo Clinic Cardiologist concluded:”We now show that the increases in blood pressure are accompanied by increases in norepinephrine, a stress hormone chemical, and this could predispose an increased risk of cardiac events even in healthy people”.4. Conclusion:There is no doubt that Energy Drinks can offer consumers short term satisfaction and enjoyment while on the other hand, these beverages have far more harmful effect can cause potential “life threatening” changes in the individual’s body of all ages, due to their continued and prolong usage. Different scientific reviews and clinical studies suggest that a moderate consumption of caffeine per day is safe for even the sensitive populations of children and pregnant women.5. Recommendations:1. Use of water and balanced diet should be encouraged to get the healthy and natural antioxidants substances and stimulants.
2. Parents and young adults should be provided with an up to date knowledge and information, a way to help them in intelligent and healthy decision making regarding their health and their children.3.
Prices of Energy Drinks should be increased to limit its consumption as well as a ban should be implemented on selling Energy Drinks to children and teenagers.4. Schools and colleges should play their roles in educating children and teenagers about the healthy and unhealthy usage of caffeine intake, intoxication and withdrawal qualities.5. Direct and indirect marketing strategies of Energy Drinks through television, computer games and social media should be legislated.6. Sources:
