Energy drinks not healthiest study buddy
By Megan Krause, Campus Life writer
March 12, 2008 | 6 p.m.
Students stocking up on energy drinks to fuel finals week should look closely at the label before taking a swig. Although caffeine is an effective stimulant, there are other options that will keep the body healthier in the long run.
Energy drink claims lack scientific proof
Energy drink companies often rely on sports icons and celebrities to vouch for their product.
“A lot of the recommendations for energy drinks are anecdotal,” Well Works nutrition counselor Francie Astrom said. “There’s not a lot of science behind energy drinks.”
Herbal products are marketed as improving memory and immunity, but there is little to no scientific proof, according to Consumer Reports Web site.
Many people believe that America’s reputation for having an unhealthy diet translates to a need for vitamin supplements. However, most Americans consume the majority of their vitamins from their diet, Astrom said.
When a person consumes a surplus of water soluble vitamins, they are excreted by the kidneys, Astrom said. For this reason, people who eat a healthy diet probably do not need excess vitamins infused in energy drinks.
Vitamin infused products meet consumer demands
Energy drink producers, as well as companies such as Coca-Cola, are seeing this demand and are marketing products that consumers will see as a health solution.
“It’s easy to become convinced that there’s an easy way,” Astrom said. “People look for that quick fix.”
The recent Arnold Competition in Columbus presented many energy products that demonstrate the vast market. However, the need for supplements differs between the average person and the Arnold Schwarzenegger type.
Everyone does not need the same amount of nutrients or energy, Astrom said.
Consumers may also overlook ingredients because they are listed scientifically in the ingredients list. Glucuronolactone, for example, is simply sugar and only gives consumers a short energy burst, according to the Consumer Reports Web site.
Caffeine junkies can replace their fix with healthier options
Many energy drinks have the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, according to Consumer Reports.
Guarana, a South American berry, is also used in energy drinks. The name may give consumers the impression that it is healthier than caffeine because it is an herb, but this is not the case.
“It’s not any safer than good old-fashioned caffeine,” Astrom said.
However, energy drinks with 80 mg of caffeine, the amount in a small cup of coffee, are not the problem.
“In that dosage it’s probably not a big concern,” Astrom said. When people consume multiple drinks with 300 mg of caffeine a day it becomes an issue.
The effects of caffeine may eventually lead to bone loss, increased blood pressure, risk of heart disease and cause immature death, according to Consumer Reports.
High amounts of caffeine in a diet may also lead to diarrhea and irritation of the GI tract, Astrom said.
Energy drinks are not the healthiest way to stimulate the body and mind. Physical activity can be as effective as energy drinks for some people, Astrom said. Eating a healthy diet, taking a break once in a while, drinking water and showering are all plausible remedies.
Drinks designed for athletes now transcend lifestyles
Energy drinks market every audience, not just athletes. For example, the Sobe Adrenaline Rush Web site allows consumers to choose which lifestyle they live including adventure seekers, workaholics and party-goers.
However, the energy drink craze started with Gatorade, Astrom said. More than 40 years ago, doctors from the University of Florida concocted a liquid mix that could be absorbed more quickly than water to keep the school's athletes hydrated in extreme temperatures, according to the Gatorade Web site. The resulting drink, named for the UF mascot, consists of electrolytes, carbohydrates and liquid.
Since Gatorade’s debut, the fad has accelerated. Gatorade is now marketing “G2,” which contains added ingredients beyond the original formula. It is designed with nutrients to sustain athletes, and maybe average people do not need the extra calories that come with it, Astrom said.
Before reaching for the next energy drink as a mid-finals week pick-me-up, think twice about whether those ingredients will truly better the body.
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