WHO raises red flag against energy drinks

The global health watch dogs have announced that energy drinks are all set to become a significant public health problem if their use among young people is not addressed.

LONDON: For the first time, the World Health Organization has raised the red flag against energy drinks.
The global health watch dogs have announced that energy drinks are all set to become a significant public health problem if their use among young people is not addressed.
They have called for a cap on caffeine levels and restrictions on their sale and marketing.
Energy drinks are known to contain high caffeine levels, which cause palpitations, hypertension, vomiting, convulsions and in extreme cases heart failure leading to death.
It said that in 2006, almost 500 new brands of energy drinks were released worldwide. The energy drink industry is booming, with sales of energy drinks estimated to be over $ 12.5 billion in 2012, an increase of 60% from 2008 to 2012.
Energy drinks are relatively new to the wider soft drinks market, with the first energy drink launched in Japan in 1960. Energy drinks first appeared in Europe in 1987 before quickly expanding throughout the rest of Europe and appearing in the US in 1997.



While no standard definition of an "energy drink" is used in the scientific literature, it is commonly understood to be a non-alcoholic drink that contains caffeine (usually its main ingredient), taurine and vitamins marketed for its perceived or actual benefits as a stimulant, for improving performance and for increasing energy.taurine and vitamins marketed for its perceived or actual benefits as a stimulant, for improving performance and for increasing energy.
A WHO study said "Although energy drinks are a relatively new class of beverage, they are quickly becoming as a central part of the partying subculture, particularly among young people who commonly mix energy drinks with alcohol. The aggressive marketing of energy drinks targeted at young people combined with limited and varied regulation have created an environment where energy drinks could pose a significant threat to public health ".
In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) commissioned a study to gather consumption data for energy drinks in 16 countries of the European Union. They found that 68% of adolescents (aged 10-18 years old), 30% of adults, and 18% of children consumed energy drinks. Among adolescents, consumption varied from 48% in Greece to 82% in the Czech Republic. Among children, consumption varied from 6% in Hungary to 40% in the Czech Republic.EFSA) commissioned a study to gather consumption data for energy drinks in 16 countries of the European Union. They found that 68% of adolescents (aged 10-18 years old), 30% of adults, and 18% of children consumed energy drinks. Among adolescents, consumption varied from 48% in Greece to 82% in the Czech Republic. Among children, consumption varied from 6% in Hungary to 40% in the Czech Republic.
Joao Breda from WHO Europe said that over 70% of 18- to 29-year olds who drink energy drinks mix them with alcohol. The study authors said research has shown this is more risky than drinking alcohol alone, possibly because energy drinks make it harder for people to notice when they are getting drunk even though there is no reduction in intoxication.Breda from WHO Europe said that over 70% of 18- to 29-year olds who drink energy drinks mix them with alcohol. The study authors said research has shown this is more risky than drinking alcohol alone, possibly because energy drinks make it harder for people to notice when they are getting drunk even though there is no reduction in intoxication.


The WHO said "Consumption of energy drinks among adolescents is associated with other potentially negative health and behavioral outcomes such as sensation seeking, use of tobacco and other harmful substances, and binge drinking and is associated with a greater risk for depression and injuries that require medical treatment. Recent literature has also found an increasing number of problems with behavior modification and cognitive capabilities in adolescents who use energy drinks.

Further studies from the US found a positive association between energy drink consumption and high-risk behaviors including marijuana use, fighting, sexual risk taking, failure to use seatbelts, taking risks on a dare, smoking, drinking, problems stemming from alcohol abuse, and illicit drug use. Another study from the US military indicated that soldiers who consumed energy drinks had a higher prevalence of suicidality and soldiers who combined energy drinks with alcohol had an even higher prevalence.
The consumption of high amounts of caffeine contained within energy drinks reduces drowsiness without diminishing the effects of alcohol resulting in a state of "wide awake drunkenness," keeping the individual awake longer with the opportunity to continue drinking.
WHO adds that the review of the published literature on energy drinks identifies a number of policies that might be considered by policy makers as they move to minimize the potential for harmful effects from energy drink consumption.
"There should be an evidence-based, upper limit for the amount of caffeine allowed in a single serving of any drink. The restriction of sales to children and adolescents should be considered due to the potentially harmful adverse and developmental effects of caffeine on children. Energy drink manufacturers aggressively market their products to children, adolescents, and young adults. The absence of regulatory oversight in many countries has contributed to the aggressive marketing of energy drinks targeted primarily toward young males ". WHO added that even as little as 50mg of caffeine can induce tachycardia and agitation. In overdose, caffeine toxicity can mimic amphetamine poisoning and lead to seizures, psychosis, cardiac arrhythmias and potentially but rarely, death.