Energy Drinks Energy Drinks

THE THE JOLTING JOLTING

TRUTHTRUTH

Some things to think aboutSome things to think aboutIn 2008, more than 270 new energy drinks were launched worldwide.*

The energy drink market is a 4 8 billion per year The energy drink market is a 4.8 billion per year industry.*

As soda consumption decreases energy drinks are As soda consumption decreases, energy drinks are filling in the gap.

35% f U S t t th t th 35% of U.S. teenagers report that they consume energy drinks (as compared to 19% in 2003)*

Energy drinks are marketed to kids, teenagers and college students.

*Mintel Global New Products Database

Dangers in energy drinksDangers in energy drinks

Caffeine intoxication resulting in increased heart Caffeine intoxication resulting in increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure is possible from ENERGY DRINKS that can contain as much caffeine as 5 cans of Coca-cola.caffeine as 5 cans of Coca cola.

Caffeine intoxication requires medical attention. Nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia and increased , y,blood pressure are some symptoms of intoxication.

Potentially unsafe ingredients

The Story on CaffeineThe Story on Caffeine

Caffeine is a drug and should be consumed in moderation, if desiredconsumed in moderation, if desired

Moderation is defined as 300 mg Moderation is defined as 300 mg. caffeine daily or the equivalent of approximately 2 cups of coffee approximately 2 cups of coffee

Individuals differ in their sensitivity to Individuals differ in their sensitivity to caffeine, so listen to your body

Pros & Cons of Caffeine Pros & Cons of Caffeine In small doses it may…..In small doses it may…..

Help prevent type 2 diabetes & liver disease including liver cancer.

Possibly improve treatment outcomes in patients with Parkinson disease

iImprove short concentration and performanceIn large doses it may cause serious In large doses it may cause serious

health effects.

Powering Up or Dragging Down?Powering Up or Dragging Down?Drinking these products

during exercise may cause R k tduring exercise may cause unwanted symptoms:

Increase blood pressure

RockstarSize-16 oz.Caffeine•Increase blood pressure

•Increase heart rate160 mg*

False claims promise improved performance in class or on the field. NOS class or on the field.

*energyfiend.com

NOSSize-16 oz. Caffeine260 mg*

IS IT WORTH TAKING THE RISK?IS IT WORTH TAKING THE RISK?

These drinks can have the These drinks can have the following side effects:

•Nervousness

Red Bull Size-8.3 oz.C ff i•Nervousness

•Sleeplessness Caffeine80 mg

•Anxiety

•Severe Headache •Severe Headache

•Upset StomachVault Size-16 oz.Caffeine

•Increased Heart Rate115 mg

Don’t believe everything you readread…

Energy Drinks are NOT regulated by the Food gy g yand Drug Administration (FDA) or any governing agency.

Manufacturers can mix a variety of ingredients in these products without any ingredients in these products without any agency checking the safety.

Manufacturers add taurine and guarana to imply health benefits. There is NO scientific

id th t th b fi i l evidence that these are beneficial.

Know what you’re drinkingKnow what you re drinking

Energy drinks are not “natural Energy drinks are not natural alternatives”.

Energy drink manufacturers are not Energy drink manufacturers are not required to label ingredients including caffeine content.

Manufacturers do not need to guarantee consistency or safety in their products.consistency or safety in their products.

Energy drinks and sports don’t mix!Energy drinks and sports don t mix!

Caffeine amounts in drinks may exceed the allowed limits for NCAA athletes Side effects may also include athletes. Side effects may also include anxiety and stomach upset.

Energy Drinks & Alcohol Energy Drinks & Alcohol A SERIOUS MATTER

Combining energy drinks and alcohol can be dangerouscan be dangerous

The stimulant effect can make someone feel less intoxicated.So …..someone may use more alcohol to feel the effect and are at a higher risk for risky behavior.It doesn’t matter how you feel….your blood

l h l t ti i th alcohol concentration is the same.

“Energy Drinks” Energy Drinks without the caffeine

TRY THESE:iOrange Juice

(100% fruit juices)Milk

V8 FusionV8 FusionThese drinks have nutritional value, taste great DO NOT contain caffeine and are great, DO NOT contain caffeine and are

much less expensive.

Average Cost gEnergy Drinks:NOS 16 oz $2 49 NOS 16 oz $2.49 Rockstar 16 oz $2.49F ll Th ttl 16 $1 99Full Throttle 16 oz $1.99Red Bull 16 oz $4.00

Non caffeinated choices:Milk 16 oz $ .62Orange Juice 16 oz $ .66

(100% fruit juice)$V8 Fusion 16 oz $ .87

Resources at UNHResources at UNH• Health ServicesHealth Services 

Offers nutrition counseling for free to all students who have paid the Health Feestudents who have paid the Health Fee. 

(603) 862‐3823

www.unh.edu/health‐services

References:References:• UNH Health Services: Office of Health Education and Promotion

“Sleep” 2007; “Managing Stress” 2007; “Red Bull, Cocaine, Full Throttle, RockStar, Blak, Monster... Hype or Harm?” 2007. <www.unh.edu/health-services>

• “Caffeine and Energy Boosting Drugs: Energy Drinks” Oct 2008• Caffeine and Energy Boosting Drugs: Energy Drinks   Oct. 2008. <www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/atod/energydrinks.htm>

• Question of the month – ‘What are “energy drinks” all about?’ January gy y2003. <www.eatright.org >

• “MillerCoors Buckles to AG Pressure.” September 2008.<www.marininstitute.org>

• Center for Science in the Public Interest – “Caffeine Content of Food & Drugs.” September 2007. <www.cspinet.org>

• “How much caffeine is in your daily habit?” October 2007. <www mayoclinic com><www.mayoclinic.com>

• “New caffeine counts put a number to your buzz.” November 2008. <www.globeandmail.com>