Sep 24, 2008 5:36 pm US/Eastern
Too Many Energy Drinks Can Cause Health Effects
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Energy drinks are on store shelves everywhere and are especially popular among students.
AP
Energy drinks are on store shelves everywhere and are especially popular among students.
Jessica Kartalija reports a new study out of Johns Hopkins finds drinking too much of these energy drinks can have serious health effects.
Many Americans are drinking energy drinks as opposed to that 'Old Cuppa Joe,' but many might want to examine what they are really consuming.
Researchers out of Johns Hopkins say that drinking one energy drink, such as Red Bull, is like drinking 14 cans of Coca Cola. Side effects include anxiety, restlessness and rapid heartbeat.
There are literally hundreds of energy drinks available for sale, but many do not indicate caffeine content. It varies widely over a ten-fold range. The question is whether or not you are buying an energy drink or a drink that contains 500mg of caffeine.
Roland Griffiths teaches psychiatry and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He co-authored a study on possible caffeine risks associated with these high energy drinks, and who is buying them.
"If you are look at the advertising," said Griffiths, "they are being paired very often with extreme sports."
Students are another main reason behind the huge energy drink sales. At exam time, energy drink sales at Eddy's Liquors near the Hopkins Homewood Campus are through the roof.
The solution to reduce side effects may be moderation and better labeling. Right now, drink-makers do not have to reveal their caffeine content.
Energy drinks Red Bull and Monster Energy account for 95 percent of energy drink sales. Red Bull came to the United States in the late 90s. Today, sales of energy drinks account for a $5.4 billion industry.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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