Tag: energy drink ban

3 Reasons Energy Drink Bans Fail

3 Reasons Energy Drink Bans Fail

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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

Reference: Beverage caffeine intakes in the US – Food Chem Toxicol, 136-42 Jan 2014

energy drink bans don't work because that's not where teens get their caffeine

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

  1. Documented Deaths By Caffeine – Caffeine Informer
  2. Yohimbe Side Effects – WebMD
  3. Energy Drink Hospitalizations – GreenEyedGuide.com
Energy Drink Bans

Energy Drink Bans

greeneyedguide

In this three-part series, we’ll talk about whether energy drink bans are good or bad, what has been tried in the US, and the bans or restrictions in other countries.

PART ONE – Are Energy Drink Bans Good or Bad? Are They Effective?

In PART ONE of this three-part series, we’ll talk about energy drinks bans in general. Why do people want to ban energy drinks? How does an energy drink ban work? What drinks does it include and why? Read more →

Impact of AMA’s proposed ban on Energy Drinks for Minors

Impact of AMA’s proposed ban on Energy Drinks for Minors

greeneyedguide

The American Medical Association has come out in support of a ban on energy drink sales to those under age 18. While it’s true minors and adolescents are more sensitive to caffeine than most adults, I, personally, wish the AMA would recommend the regulations Canada has put in place to address caffeine safety. As someone who’s studied caffeine and energy drinks for years, I see a large gap in AMA’s proposal which would fail to help keep minors safe from caffeine.

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