Energy Drinks
The UK Food Standards Agency defines 'Energy drinks' as any drink containing high levels of compounds (mainly caffeine) that are intended to enhance the consumer’s physical performance and cognitive state.
The UK Food Standards Agency defines 'Energy drinks' as any drink containing high levels of compounds (mainly caffeine) that are intended to enhance the consumer’s physical performance and cognitive state.
This is different from 'Sports drinks', which are formulated to replace water and electrolytes lost during exercise.
This is different from 'Sports drinks', which are formulated to replace water and electrolytes lost during exercise.
The health claims made for 'energy drinks' include :
The health claims made for 'energy drinks' include :
Improved mental alertness & focus
Improved mental alertness & focus
Enhanced physical performance
Enhanced physical performance
Reduced fatigue
Reduced fatigue
How do energy drinks 'work'?
How do energy drinks 'work'?
All energy drinks contain caffeine and other stimulants. These stimulants effect the brain by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired and increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. This combination of effects of these chemical changes in the brain are linked with the health claims above.
All energy drinks contain caffeine and other stimulants. These stimulants effect the brain by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired and increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. This combination of effects of these chemical changes in the brain are linked with the health claims above.
Energy Drinks & Health
Energy Drinks & Health
Energy drinks are currently not age restricted in Scotland, meaning that child can legally buy them. However, lots of retailers (including all major supermarkets) have volunarity decided to ban sales to under 16s.
Energy drinks are currently not age restricted in Scotland, meaning that child can legally buy them. However, lots of retailers (including all major supermarkets) have volunarity decided to ban sales to under 16s.
This has been done due to research showing links between Energy drinks and a range of health issues. These include :
This has been done due to research showing links between Energy drinks and a range of health issues. These include :
The Heart : High quantities of caffeine will lead to a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially causing palpitations, arrhythmias, and can cause cardiac arrest in high enough doses if the person has certain medical conditions.
The Heart : High quantities of caffeine will lead to a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially causing palpitations, arrhythmias, and can cause cardiac arrest in high enough doses if the person has certain medical conditions.
Mental Health : The stimulants in energy drinks can trigger anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia, especially in those sensitive to caffeine. They have also been associated with mood swings, irritability, and depression.
Mental Health : The stimulants in energy drinks can trigger anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia, especially in those sensitive to caffeine. They have also been associated with mood swings, irritability, and depression.
Physical Health : The high sugar content of energy drinks can cause tooth decay and weight gain, as well as a range of gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhoea.
Physical Health : The high sugar content of energy drinks can cause tooth decay and weight gain, as well as a range of gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhoea.