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Energy drink binge leaves teens with more than a hangover

Journal article published in 2012 by Caleb Ferguson ORCID, Patricia Mary Davidson
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Preprint: policy unknown
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Postprint: policy unknown
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Published version: policy unknown

Abstract

Manufacturers of energy drinks are coming under pressure from governments and regulatory bodies following concerns about the health impacts of their products on teenagers and other at-risk groups. Typically, drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Mother and Cocaine contain a cocktail of caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone and sugar. And they are heavily promoted to shift workers, students and long-haul drivers. Local standards An estimated $15 million was spent in 2009 alone on marketing by the energy drinks industry in Australia. It's obviously money well spent; energy drink sales account for one in five beverages sold by convenience stores. The caffeine content of a can of Red Bull – 80 milligrams for a 250 millilitre can – is roughly the same as a standard cup of coffee. But such potent energy drinks have recently caused concern in the health profession. In Australia and New Zealand, energy drink manufacturers are required to print a health warning on all cans stating: "This food contains caffeine and is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women and individuals sensitive to caffeine". They are also expected to advise consumers to limit intake to a maximum of two cans in one day.