Abinayaa Vigneswaran
The most consumed beverage amongst students has been statistically proven to be energy drinks, an easily accessible drink found at nearly all convenience stores, supermarkets, vending machines, leisure centres and even hospitals. Sales that have risen exponentially due to new releases of exotic and new fun flavours such as forest fruits and spiced pear have shifted the consumer to the vast majority being younger pupils. These beverages have been promoted by influencers to promote as an easy solution, whether that is extra energy for activities and sports, or staying awake for late study sessions, but no one talks about the long-term effects that come along with it.
What is so bad about energy drinks?
Most energy drinks consist of the two main ingredients caffeine and glucose, which provide a temporary boost of energy, but in the long run cause serious irreversible health effects, causing many to regret. The substance caffeine is well known to improve concentration, energy, and physical performance as one can of energy drink is equivalent to 3 times a cup of coffee therefore over intake of caffeine can lead to physical health issues such as high blood pressure, heart diseases, development issues as well mental health issues for example anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disorder and dependence. On the other hand, it is shown that roughly around 50g of sugar are found to be in a can of energy drinks, which makes it higher in sugar compared to the popular soft drinks such as Mountain Dew. Leading to major health risks of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and tooth decay.
Influencers amongst the younger audiences, for example, the co-founders of Prime Energy drink, leveraging their huge social media followings to make it a viral sensation. They use social media platforms to create trends. Their influence, combined with limited-edition flavours, has turned Prime Energy into a must-have product among teenagers. However, what many young consumers don’t realise is that each can of Prime Energy contains 200mg of caffeine, which is twice the recommended daily limit for those under 18, according to health guidelines. Meaning a single can deliver as much caffeine as six cans of Coca-Cola. While Prime is often marketed as a “super boost” for energy and performance, is that all it gives?
What does research state?
According to Fuse public health research by Newcastle University, it is reported that one out of three young people consume energy drinks regularly, whereas, according to research, young students in the UK under the age of eighteen use more energy drinks than others found in European nations. It is reported that 34 fatalities cases have been connected to energy drink intake, according to the Centre for Science in the Public Interest. According to a review of 5,156 reports of poisoning control data, cardiac and neurological side effects were among the most frequent.
Are there safer options?
Healthier substitutions for energy drinks have been advised to prevent these risks, such as electrolyte drinks, teas, coconut water and natural fruit juices, providing a moderate amount of hydration and energy boost and avoiding excessive sugar and caffeine intake. What will you choose?
Find Out More!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67962147
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