The Truth about Energy Drinks

Your child returns home from soccer practice with an energy drink in hand. Practice was intense, and the coach recommended an energy drink for re-hydration and nutritional benefits. But is it? This exact question has been the recent topic of research for local substance abuse authorities.

Utah County's Division of Substance Abuse Prevention launched an in-depth study on the perceived health benefits of energy drinks. Findings indicate that energy drinks consumed in excess amounts actually can cause more harm than good.

So what's in an energy drink? Energy drinks contain B-vitamins, but they are also loaded with caffeine, carbonation, and sugar. Some energy drinks contain up to 344 mg of caffeine, which is the equivalent of drinking eleven 12-oz cans of Coke. Furthermore, caffeine is know to be a diuretic, promoting fluid loss. Individuals who are already losing essential fluids during physical activities should not attempt to re-hydrate themselves with a beverage that promotes even more fluid loss.

Not only is caffeine a diuretic, but it can also cause an irregular heart beat as well. Consider once again the individual who is engaged in physical activity, with his/her heart rate already elevated ... add a substance that stimulates the heart even more, and possible health risks can occur.

If excessive amounts of caffeine aren't concerning enough, you might want to consider this fact: SOME ENERGY DRINKS CONTAIN ALCOHOL. there are five energy drinks sold in Utah County which contain alcohol. These beverages are disguised to look exactly like a non-alcohol energy drink. They are packaged in colorful cans with exciting names and logs. This marketing ploy is aimed directly at youth, and their popularity is fast growing.

For more information about energy drinks, please contact Utah County Substance Abuse Prevention at 851-7127.