Energy Drinks – Should They Be Banned?

Recently there has been much debate on the possible negative impact of energy drinks on people consuming them, particularly children, at whom the marketing and advertising is directed.

There has been much discussion; particularly in Canada, about the banning of these drinks for children. At the very least, there is a call for better and clearer labeling so that consumers are aware of what they are actually consuming.

Energy drinks are advertised as having the ability to boost energy and they are supposed to improve mental and cognitive performance and increase alertness of the person consuming them.

However, the fact is that energy drinks rely on their high caffeine content to produce the effect that they do; the alleged energy boost.

Drinks such as Red Bull and others advertised as ‘energy drinks’ do inform you that they are “not recommended for children” however there is nothing to stop a child stepping over to the corner store and buying the beverage and consuming it.

Some energy drinks may contain as much caffeine as 10 cans of soda, which in children especially, could be responsible or poor sleep, irritable behavior and poor academic performance.

So certainly there is a case for better labeling, so that consumers can make informed decisions about buying these products or not.