Originally published September 22 2005
Energy drinks are harmful and cause dehydration, medical experts say
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Given the high sugar and caffeine content of drinks like Red Bull and Killer Buzz, many medical professionals say that the supposed short-term energy buzz could lead to long-term lethargy and dehydration.
Not only do such drinks fail to offer a special boost, they say, their high caffeine and sugar content causes dehydration and could be dangerous for the young and active.
I'm not aware of any scientific data that they do what they say they're going to do," said Mark Kantor, professor of family and consumer sciences and nutrition at the University of Maryland, who specializes in consumer education.
"A nutritionist defines energy as calories," said Kantor.
"If you refer to energy as something that gives you pep and zip and stamina, that's just a myth.
There's nothing that provides that in food."
Nonetheless, energy drinks, which have high amounts of caffeine and ingredients such as taurine and glucuronolactone, have exploded in the beverage market since 1997.
There are now more than 1,000 different brands in the roughly $1 billion industry, said John Craven, editor of the Cambridge, Mass., based beverage-review site BevNET.com, "the beverage industry's source for product reviews, news & more."
Some guzzle down the drinks at clubs and bars, mixing them with liquor; others tank up before playing in a sports event or grab a can to prepare for the work day or to stay awake and study.
"(Energy drinks) get to be problematic when used in combination with alcohol or when used before sports or with kids," said Maher Karam-Hage, medical director of the Chelsea Arbor Addiction Treatment Center at the University of Michigan.
Karam-Hage is an addiction specialist who has been a vocal critic of energy drink-alcohol cocktails.
The main cause of concern, doctors say, is that the drinks cause extreme dehydration.
And some governments, such as Sweden's, publish public-health recommendations that the liquids be used carefully.
-Energy drinks containing caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone should not be used as thirst quenchers.
-The drinks should not be used for replenishing liquid when exercising.
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