Everyone loses when this party goes off.
Frightening Trend
If you have kids or run a venue, there are things you must know about energy drinks.
When teens drink large quantities of energy drinks at a party, they become extremely violent in the aftermath.
I’ve seen them smash property and assault people as a result of overdosing on this freely available ‘refreshment’.
I’ve also seen asthmatics become distressed after consuming these drinks.
If your child has any sort of medical condition, you must take great care.
Junk within Junk
These drinks contain large doses of ingredients which generally aren’t regulated, including:
- Caffeine (30-150 mg per 250 ml, depending on brand).
- Guarana (a caffeine extract from a South American plant).
- Sugar (in higher quantities than sports drinks!).
- The amino acid taurine.
The high caffeine content of energy drinks relative to other foods and beverages containing caffeine is a real worry.
Some energy drinks contain more than twice the caffeine of colas!
More Facts
Kids consume energy drinks as if they’re soft drinks or water. Studies have found they find energy drink labels confusing. And with good cause:
- Energy drink makers design their labels to target teens.
- The recommended ‘daily dose’ of 2-5 cans is for adults.
Health professionals are concerned at the amount of caffeine teenagers are getting from energy drinks and other sources.
Side-effects include nausea, sleep disruption, blood pressure changes and cardiovascular complications.
Growing bodies are particularly at risk.
And when you learn that kids are mixing energy drinks with caffeine pills and alcohol, we have a truly lethal cocktail.
Local Dealers
Energy drink consumption is growing rapidly in Australia.
I’m staggered that energy drinks are sold next to lollies and chocolate at milk bar and convenience store counters.
From what I’ve witnessed, these drinks should be available only in liquor stores – if at all.
The situation is so serious, I’ve banned these drinks at any event my team attends.
I value their safety too highly.
Naomi Oakley, Managing Director, U-NOME Security Communication Specialists.
