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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v09n19)
Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - Don't Crash and BURN! - by Laura Minor
posted: Sept. 14, 2012

Gettin' Ripped in Ripple header

Don't Crash and BURN!
Chances are, you are either do or see what I see on a daily basis: Large quantities of people clutching their energy drinks with no hesitation of any negative side effects or adverse reactions. The energy drink industry has risen to multi-million dollar status and it is no wonder. Millions of Americans, whether it be cramming college students, overworked employees, under-slept mommies, or just the average Joes who have become reliant on them during the mid-day slump, pay a good chunk of money on these caffeine power-charged beverages. And it isn't surprising since their savvy marketing techniques with promise of long lasting energy with no "crash" and many with added botanical extracts make them look quite attractive in our sleep deprived and energy sapping society. In fact, energy drinks are among the fastest-growing products in the beverage sector. U.S. retail sales of the drinks rose 16% last year to $8.9 billion, accounting for 12% of the carbonated-soft-drink category. And what's concerning about this fact; the drinks are regulated more loosely than traditional sodas such as colas. Certain ingredients such as botanical extracts are being added to beverages and foods beyond their traditional use, which raises questions about safety.
Recent research in Australia has highlighted the risks with over-consumption of energy drinks. Listed in order of most common to least common.
  • Palpitations / tachycardia
  • Tremor / shaking
  • Agitation / restlessness
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Chest pain / ischemia
  • Dizziness / syncope
  • Tingling or numbing of the skin
  • Insomnia
  • Respiratory distress
  • Headache
In my opinion, there are several red flags in regard to how energy drinks are regulated and perceived by the general population. First, the FDA doesn't define the term "energy drink" by any regulation, due to the widely varying ingredients. Pretty disturbing given the massive consumption of these products. Another shocking fact: The products' labels often don't say how much caffeine is contained in the drink. The label on Monster's 16-ounce can says it contains caffeine but doesn't say how much; 5-hour Energy doesn't say how much caffeine is contained in one bottle, but its website says it is about as much as a cup of coffee. I'm not sure how much I believe this one unless it is a 44 oz. cup!! What's more, the marketing is clearly directed more to a younger target market, and this age group may not be concerned with the high levels of caffeine and the habit forming tendencies of these products. Also, there have been several instances of college students mixing energy drinks with alcohol, canceling the depressant effect of alcohol resulting in binge drinking. Some countries have taken notice; Australia, France and Denmark, for example have banned their sale, and a warning label was placed by the UK after finding it unsafe for children under the age of 18 due to the increase in blood stimulation and heart rate increases of the products.
I am not necessarily stating that all energy drinks be banned. I do feel that the FDA needs to step in to require labeling, and regulate and cap the amount of caffeine in the beverages and the use of "exotic" chemicals. Although it may not remedy some of the problems, yet at the least give the consumer the right to know and the responsibility to choose how much of the substances they consume.



Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail laura@BroadRippleGazette.com




laura@broadripplegazette.com
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