Originally published October 26 2005
Canadian health authorities concerned about energy drinks
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
According to industry lobby group Refreshments Canada, Canadians consume 10 million liters of energy drinks each year, yet the safety and nutrition information concerning these products has yet to be released.
They say the drinks can be potentially disastrous for growing bodies due to caffeine and sugar overload, particularly if they are consumed in excess.
Three years ago, energy drinks weren't sold in Canadian stores, yet today about 10 million litres are consumed here per year, according to industry lobby group Refreshments Canada.
Rockstar energy drinks are currently on sale at 7-Eleven stores in the city, and an advertisement for Full Throttle energy drinks --- with the slogan "Fasten Your Seatbelt" --- greets customers as they enter the store on 34th Street.
His father, Gord Loewen, said Jesse and his brother Dallas, 6, usually drink Powerade and Gatorade, but he has no problem with them consuming the occasional energy drink.
The caffeine doesn't make his kids any more hyper than when they drink Coke or Pepsi, he added.
Distinct from sports drinks like Gatorade, energy drinks boast high amounts of caffeine, and do not contain electrolytes to replenish the body after spurts of physical exertion.
diabetics are at risk for peripheral damage to their organs, their limbs," said Dr. James Friel, professor of nutritional science at the University of Manitoba.
Friel noted Health Canada nutritional guidelines suggest the caffeine intake for young children should be under 45 milligrams per day, and under 85 milligrams for older youth.
"These kids are potentially at risk for damage over time ...
According to Health Canada, Red Bull is the only company to have its energy drink approved as a natural health product, as of June 2004, yet many of the drinks label themselves "natural health products."
Red Bull is still the best-selling of the energy drinks, according to an employee at another 7-Eleven in Brandon, who said the store sells about 40 to 50 a week.
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