Canadian health authorities concerned about energy drinks

• 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.