Introduction
Energy drinks are a relatively new product; the number of sales has been growing since the end of the 20th century. These are beverages aimed at stimulating the central nervous system with an anti-sedative effect. Energy drinks contain tonic agents, most often caffeine, vitamins and sugars. The increase in their consumption has led to a public debate whether they should be banned or not. Medical institutions report a growing number of complaints related to harmful effects on consumers’ health. Therefore, it is critical to analyze where energy drinks came from, risks and health benefits, target population and marketing campaign, and states’ regulation.
Research Area
The subject of energy drinks remains debatable as the data available on the effects is insufficient and contradictory. Higgins et al. claim that the current evidence remains unsystematic, leading to the impossibility of forming one position within the scientific field (65). According to Hammond et al., most of the data available shows short-term health impacts; most results are gained from the investigation of people with chronic conditions (20). The industry is also characterized by a significant amount of sponsored literature (Higgins et al. 65). Thus, the topic lacks unbiased studies, long-term research with samples of healthy people.
The main point of energy drinks opponents is the high concentration of caffeine. There are several common stimulants in energy drinks, such as taurine and guarana extracts (Hammond et al. 23). Each of them can be considered harmless, not causing adverse outcomes for the organism, but the interaction of both substances can increase the effect of caffeine and result in health risks (Hammond et al. 23). Regarding health concerns, most of the public’s questions focus on potential risks for youth as children and teenagers are more susceptible to stimulants than the older population (Hammond et al. 19). However, according to Hammond et al., the current position towards energy drinks is that these beverages’ effects exceed outcomes of other caffeinated drinks (Hammond et al. 23). Therefore, it has been recognized as novel exposure and should be investigated independently from previous caffeine research.
History of Energy Drinks
The first energy drink was invented in Asia, specifically in Japan. The use of amphetamines was widespread after the Second World War but limited due to restricting laws (Engber). As a result, in 1962, the Taisho company presented Lipovitan D; it was a legal, energizing drink sold in small bottles (Engber). The supply of extra-caffeinated and vitamin-fortified beverages increased; a large portion of drinks was bought by Japanese CEOs to maintain beneficial business performance by the end of the 20th century (Engber). They served as replenishing energy sources, containing caffeine, vitamins, and a significant amount of sugar.
Risks and Health Benefits
The adverse outcomes for health are associated with caffeine consumption above the norm. Energy drinks affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems; the possible consequences are insomnia, fast heartbeat, headache, accompanied by vomiting, nausea or diarrhea; sometimes, it can cause chest pain (Hammond et al. 23). It can also provoke tachycardia and other cardiac problems; severe cases are seizures and death (Reid et al. 66). The overuse may lead to neurotic issues such as anxiety, agitation or jitteriness (Reid et al. 66). People that consumed energy drinks may report the intention of seeking medical help.
In small amounts, energy drinks are supposed to bring positive effects. For instance, they accelerate the reaction, increase aerobic and anaerobic endurance, prevent drowsiness while driving, improve the intensity of perception, mood and well-being (Hammond et al. 21). Nevertheless, the leading target group – youth – is more vulnerable to energy drinks due to smaller body size, lower levels of pharmacological tolerance to caffeine (Hammond et al. 22). These beverages may impact cognitive capabilities in adolescents faced with some behavior modifications (De Sanctis et al. 228). However, the long-term effects are unstudied in terms of chronic and excessive consumption.
Customers
Frequent consumption of energy drinks relates to athletes and secondary school students. According to Higgins et al., energy drinks continue to be marketed to children and adolescents (65). Market campaigns target teenagers through the Internet, social media platforms, posters, wall graffiti, and videos. The central theme of advertising campaigns is the involvement in sports activities. Consequently, several studies report the prevalence of energy drink consumption in youth intended to improve their strength and speed (Hammond et al. 23). For instance, up to 80% of college athletes drink them to enhance their sports performance (Higgins et al. 65). The industry aggressively advertises the product; hence due to bright packaging, these beverages have become popular, especially among young people.
Concerning the typical reasons, these are curiosity, taste and need for energy. According to Reid et al., in Canada, people want to stay awake for study, work or driving; similar intentions are reported in Europe (66). Moreover, the consumption behavior is impacted by social circumstances; for instance, children say, “my friends drink them” or “energy drinks are cool” (Reid et al. 66). Teenagers report that they drink it for “going out or partying” or “to mix with alcohol” (Reid et al. 66). Thus, energy drinks are consumed at home to be productive or at parties.
How Long Have Energy Drinks Been Available?
Energy drinks have been available in the market since the middle of the 20th century. In the United States, they were introduced in 1949; in Asia, the first campaign was performed in 1976 in Thailand, based on a Japanese drink (De Sanctis et al. 223). In Europe, it appeared in 1987 in Austria; overall, energy drinks became popular in the late 1990s (De Sanctis et al. 223). These days, they are available in almost all countries around the globe.
Regulation
Energy drinks are considered legal mostly worldwide, being sold to all ages and groups of the population. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies these beverages as dietary supplements or foods. Both categories do not require adverse effect reporting; content might be strictly controlled depending on definition (Higgins et al. 66). This results in the ability of producers to control the caffeine level of their free choice. In most countries, energy drinks are sold freely; some states have forbidden their sale to adolescents. In France, Denmark and Norway, until 2009, energy drinks were banned for sale in grocery stores; they could be bought in pharmacies since they were considered medication. However, at present, almost all people can buy energy drinks regardless of age.
Personal Conclusion
To sum up, the current pace of living requires a person to be active. When energy resources are declining, some people consume energy drinks. It is an unfortunate tendency as energy drinks can be addictive. In my view, the necessity to outlaw energy drinks across the country should be acknowledged. However, until recently, the manufacturers of these beverages have found reasons and tools to influence the government, scientific community and target audience.
Conclusion
Energy drinks contain a concentrated dosage of caffeine and stimulants, including vitamins, taurine, herbal supplement and sugars. Side effects are possible, namely tachycardia, nervousness, anxiety and depression in case of an overdose. It is recommended to diminish consuming energy drinks by children and adolescents, people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, heart, blood vessels and pressure, and increased excitability, nervousness, sleep disorders and sensitivity to caffeine. Marketing campaigns are often youth-oriented, targeting children and teenagers; therefore, the government should accelerate the adoption of laws to limit sales and control their advertising aimed at minors.
Works Cited
De Sanctis, Vincenzo, et al. “Caffeinated energy drink consumption among adolescents and potential health consequences associated with their use: A significant public health hazard.” Acta Bio Medica: Atenei Parmensis, vol. 88, no. 2, 2017, pp. 222-231.
Engber, Daniel. “The Beauty of the Injured Book.”Medieval Fragments, 2013.
Hammond, David, et al. “Adverse effects of caffeinated energy drinks among youth and young adults in Canada: A web-based survey.” CMAJ Open, vol. 6, no. 1, 2018, pp. 19-25
Higgins, John, et al. “Energy drinks: A contemporary issues paper.” Current Sports Medicine Reports, vol. 17, no. 2, 2018, pp. 65-72.
Reid, Jessica L., et al. “Consumption of caffeinated energy drinks among youth and young adults in Canada.” Preventive Medicine Reports, no. 5, 2017, pp. 65-70.