1. Energy drinks are NOT soft drinks
Energy drinks, found in cold cases next to soda and iced tea products, are not soft drinks. Recently, the safety of these “energy” products — mostly marketed to teens and children – has been called into question after reports of death and serious health issues related to the high caffeine content.
2. Energy drinks dehydrate
Consuming them during or after exercise does not rehydrate. Choose water, coconut water, or a sports drink for rehydration.
3. Energy drinks and sports drinks are not the same thing
Energy drinks contain caffeine plus sugar and other ingredients. Sports drinks provide electrolytes.
4. Many energy drinks are not classified as food
They are classified as supplements—therefore they do not have to conform to FDA safety standards.
5. Energy drinks do not provide energy!
Only food can give our bodies energy. A better choice? A banana, half a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of water, which would provide the body with true energy and hydration.
6. Energy drinks impact the effectiveness of medications
Many energy drinks can impact the effectiveness of medications for heart problems, ADD, ADHD, allergies and asthma and in many cases birth control.
7. Many energy drinks are marketed to teens and children
Would you let your child have five cups of coffee? The caffeine levels can be the same in just one energy drink. Some teens are drinking more than one per day.
8. Look over the label and nutritional chart before purchasing
If there are no ingredients listed and no nutritional chart on the bottle, consider carefully before allowing your children to consume the supplement drink.
