Energy drinks are not intended for minors. And yet, energy drink bans are not the way to go.
Many states and counties in the US have tried to pass laws to prevent minors from buying energy drinks. In this episode of the Caffeine at Midnight podcast, Caffeine Scientist GreenEyedGuide describes the 3 reasons energy drink bans fail, and what lawmakers SHOULD do instead.
Where Minors Get Their Caffeine
Few get it from energy drinks
- 8/10 teens get their caffeine from soda
- 5/10 teens get caffeine from tea
- 3/10 teens get caffeine from coffee
- Only 1/10 teens get caffeine from energy drinks
The 3 Most Important Things You Need To Know
Energy Drink Bans Don't Address Dangerous Ingredients
People have overdosed on caffeine from shots of espresso, from pure caffeine powder, and from soda [see References, below].
A ban on energy drinks won't address situations where OTHER ingredients pose a health risk. For example, yohimbe, beta-alanine, and even B-Vitamins can be harmful in the wrong dose.
Energy Drink Bans Don't Include "Energy Drinks In Disguise"
Starbucks Doubleshot has 2x the caffeine of Red Bull. Some preworkout powders have 3x the amount of caffeine a minor can have in 1 day. Energy drink bans fail to include these products, which pose just as much risk to minors as the stereotypical energy drink.
Energy Drink Bans Don't Protect 18 Year Olds
Eighteen year olds don't magically wake up immune to caffeine toxicity. And yet, college students are more likely than minors of overdosing on caffeine. This is due to their newfound independence, peer pressure, and the stress of juggling college and Adulthood responsibilities.
Bottom Line
Preventing a minor from buying Red Bull is not the best way to keep minors safe from the health risks associated with energy drinks. There are too many loopholes, and there are better methods that protect everyone, not just minors.
In the next episode of the Caffeine at Midnight podcast, GreenEyedGuide shares why Canada’s Energy Drink Restriction is the way to go.
Related Reading: Energy Drink Laws and Limits Worldwide
References
- Documented Deaths By Caffeine – Caffeine Informer
- Yohimbe Side Effects – WebMD
- Energy Drink Hospitalizations – GreenEyedGuide.com
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