Hidden Heart dange
Now banned on the high street to under-16s amid fears over the levels of sugar and caffeine they contain, LAURA MILNE looks at the impact energy drinks have on the rest of us and asks what are the alternatives?
yOU COULD be forgiven for thinking that with their brightly coloured cans and sickly sweet taste, the huge range of highly caffeinated, sugary energy drinks that now dominate the chiller cabinets in our supermarkets, petrol stations and newsagents only appeal to youngsters.
Yet health experts are becoming concerned that other groups are also becoming increasingly reliant on them.
The European Food Safety Authority estimates that about one in three adults, in addition to seven out of 10 adolescents, are now downing energy drinks, which typically contain stimulants such as inositol, guarana, ginseng and taurine alongside high levels of caffeine and sugar.
The World Health Organization warns that the overconsumption of energy drinks is “poised to become a significant public health problem”. Its researchers have identified a number of risks associated with the fizzy drinks, including palpitations, high blood pressure and low blood levels of calcium which can cause numbness, convulsions and muscle spasms. There have even been deaths from heart attacks linked to them.
Health experts have warned that the effects on children’s health can include obesity, poor concentration and bad behaviour in classrooms.
Many major supermarkets have said they would stop selling energy drinks to children under the age of 16, however a Daily Express investigation revealed that some stores are already flouting the self-imposed ban.
Last week our probe showed that Aldi, Boots, Morrisons and the Co-op had failed to check the age of youngsters buying the drinks which include popular brands such as Red Bull, Monster Energy and Rockstar. They are favoured by celebrities including Beyoncé, Kate Moss, Lily Allen and Demi Moore who have all been snapped clutching cans.
“The high levels of caffeine in these drinks can impact adversely on pupil behaviour in school,” says Emma Brown, in-house nutritionist for calorie tracker service Nutracheck (nutracheck.co.uk). “There’s lack of awareness about the effects and long-term health impacts of these drinks which many pupils – and parents – may think are just another soft drink.”
For older people or those with pre-existing health problems such as heart disease, the risks can be even greater.
“Caffeine is generally considered safe in moderate amounts but overconsumption can lead to significant health risks,” says GP Dr Ian Campbell. “Too much caffeine from so-called energy drinks can stimulate a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. In people with pre-exisiting heart disease this can be a serious concern and could trigger acute heart disease.
“In younger people the risks are similar, though less. An irregular heart rhythm (called ectopic beats) can be alarming and sometimes causes lightheadedness. A temporary rise in blood pressure is unlikely to cause symptoms but can, over time, cause excess strain on the heart.” “Energy drinks tend to be purchased by anyone looking for a quick fix or ‘pick-me-up’ – unfortunately these are seen as trendy and often purchased by adults who are sleep deprived or need a stimulant because they are studying,” says Emma. “The high sugar levels are seen as being useful if someone has a hangover, although a more slow-releasing carbohydrate meal and plain water would be just as effective.”
A review of evidence by leading public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire, which was published in Network Health Digest earlier this year, shows that even health professionals are getting it wrong. Four out of five student nurses use energy drinks to combat fatigue, and more than a quarter of them reported suffering heart palpitations as a result.
“It’s worrying that such an otherwise health-savvy group is not only relying on these drinks but also ignoring clear warning signs, such as palpitations, that they could be harmful. It highlights the need for a more systematic and evidence-based approach to tackling tiredness,” said Dr Derbyshire. Although the levels of caffeine and sugar in energy drinks varies from