I’ve Got The Power: The Truth Behind Energy Drinks

If adults are notorious for needing their morning coffee (and then some) to kick start the day and keep it going, teens and adolescents it seems are not to far behind when in search and need of artificial energy enhancement.

In fact, according to statistics, more than 500 new energy drinks entered the worldwide market this year and are becoming increasingly popular across the board.

Based on claims of weight loss made “easy”, a boost in energy and endurance, and a legal “high”, several new products joined those already on the market and constitute a nearly $3.5 million market that has grown by 80 percent since a year ago.

And, nearly one-third of all teens polled (that’s almost 8 million teens, an increase of about 3 million from 3 years ago) revealed they (regularly) consume these beverages. And, these staggering statistics have medical professionals on edge.

Experts suggest that these beverages are packed with caffeine and sugar and can easily get kids hooked on an unhealthy and un-natural need for “speed”, and a quick to follow crash cycle. Plus, they add that the caffeine is derived from a variety of sources making it difficult to pinpoint just how much each drink (actually) contains. Not to mention that many also contain B vitamins that when ingested in large doses can result in rapid heartbeat, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

Still, a greater concern is based on how some adolescents are using such drinks. Some report guzzling several cans simultaneously to get a buzz and a recent study suggests that an astounding number of poison-center calls are coming in from youngsters who are experiencing negative reactions to excessive levels of caffeine.

Experts further note, that despite the warning labels, the danger is actually the appeal. In fact, it’s their way of retaliating against the establishment and “The Man”. And, since they are young and still feeling “invincible” a few dizzy spells and/or heart palpitations and some warnings are not likely to scare them off.

Besides, many experts add that their behavior is only an extension of their parents (drinking) habits, including the drinking of several cups of java daily.

Research reveals that most brands are aimed at male teens and young 20-somethings. And, with more and more competition, companies are getting more and more racy (with names like cocaine) in an effort to hold on to the lion’s share of their market share.

And, while many claim that their products are “safe” doctors express amble concern about the long-term effects of these products especially with increasing and repeated use.

They note that a recent study showed that one poison control center reported a staggering amount of caffeine overdose reports, involving mostly young people taking alertness pills and indulging in energy drinks, often times mixing them with drugs or alcohol. And, of those cases reported, twelve percent needed immediate medical attention and to be admitted to a hospital. The results show that that the average age of caffeine users is 21 and that most are using to stay awake, and/or get high.

Plus, studies show that many of these drinks contain about doubt to quadruple the amount of caffeine than a regular soda. And, while most are currently unregulated in the United States, experts are asking for warning labels.

And, they warn parents about monitoring their kids and about allowing them to enjoy these drinks noting that recent studies show that energy drinks did little to improve short-term memory but “did” lead to slower heart rates and higher blood pressure.