Transcript Slide 1

What you need to know about
Energy Drinks
(and energy products)
Developed by:
Jill Wheaton, BSc., RD, CDE
Regional Nutritionist
• Central Healt
Adapted by:
Western Health and
L-G Health, Linda Hillier
Community Dietitian/Regional Nutritionist
November 2011
Marketing so You can be a rock star, a
monster, go full throttle, get a jolt or
a beaver buzz!
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What are they?
Products
that claim to
“energize” the user.
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Aren’t they really just pop in a fancy
can?
No…
 They are not even licensed in Canada as
a food or beverage
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Do not have a Nutrition Facts table
 They may be licensed as a NHP (natural
health product) which comes with:
 “WARNINGS”
 “CAUTIONS FOR USE”
 “DOSAGE INSTRUCTIONS”
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Health
Canada
Warning
Health Canada advises that energy drinks
should not be consumed in excess of 500ml
per day, should not be mixed with alcohol and
should not be consumed by children or
pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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November 2011, Health
Canada: new rules on Energy
Drinks
New regulations on how much caffeine,
vitamins/minerals can be added
 They will be regulated as food with
Nutrition Facts table
 Required labels of energy drinks to carry
warnings for at risk groups
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Main ingredient is caffeine
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Drug - stimulant
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You do not need caffeine
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Drinks can contain 50mg - 505mg per can
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Most drinks average about 160mg per can
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What about the other “Stuff” in
energy drinks
Ginseng
 Guarana
 Taurine
 Ginko biloba
 Acai berry
 Creatine
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Where can you
buy them?
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Basically anywhere
 Convenience and
Grocery stores
 Gas stations
 Department stores, night clubs, vending
machines, etc.
No age restrictions
 Children
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can buy them
Sold with other beverages like water, juice,
milk and pop
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Oh, and don’t forget the newer
crazes….
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Energy gum
Actual Names of products:
Energy mints
 Crack heads candy
Energy shots
 Perky jerky
Energy powder
 Energy bar (not your traditional
Energy pills
energy bar)
Energy chews
 Potato chips (NRG brand)
Energy gummies
 Buzz bites chocolate chews
(candy)
 Caffeinate magic brownies
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Not recommended for children….
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Yet…look at the marketing
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Banned in Canada
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Chaotic energy drinks have trading cards, animated
TV series and a website where
you earn points when you buy the drinks
Note: Chaotic beverages recalled in
Canada on November 5, 2009 due to
unacceptable health risks to children.
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65% of the consumers are young
males…wonder why?
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Research indicated
children and teenagers
are the main consumers
of energy drinks.
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So what’s the big
deal about that?
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Maximum caffeine intake/day
Children, 4 – 6
years
Children, 7 – 9
years
Children, 10 – 12
years
Adults
Women of
childbearing age
(pregnant
&breastfeeding)
45 mg
62 mg
85 mg
400-450 mg
300 mg
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Compare products
Candy, sweet chocolate
19 mg caffeine
Cola ( approx. 355 ml)
40 mg caffeine
Tea (250 ml)
45 mg caffeine
Coffee, brewed ( 360 ml) 150 mg caffeine
Energy Drink (500 ml)
180 mg caffeine
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Health Risks of too
much caffeine:
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Nervousness
Anxiety
Jitteriness
Rapid heartbeat
Trouble sleeping
Gastrointestinal upset
(nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea)
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Headaches
Irritability
High blood pressure
Increased urination
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Caffeine may be addictive:
Can experience withdrawal symptoms among
habitual users which include…
 Irritability
 Anxiety
 Fatigue
 Headache
 Reduced reaction time
 Poor concentration
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Caffeine can affect school performance
Students with higher caffeine intake have
more sleep disturbances, shorter sleep
duration and increased wake time.
 Experience of withdrawal symptoms from
caffeine = reduction in reaction time for
tasks requiring attention.
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Behaviour
Evidence to suggest energy drink
consumption is associated with feeling
tired and/or hyper.
Being tired and/or hyper lead to impaired
decision making!
What are some examples?
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Energy Drinks are
NOT Sports Drinks
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Athletic performance
Energy drinks can decrease sports
performance
 Not recommended for use at any time,
especially during sports and exercise
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November 2011
WNLSD Policy Changes:
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“Energy drinks are high in caffeine, sugar,
and additives. As schools are concerned
about their affect on student’s behaviour and
health, these drinks are not permitted on
school property. “
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This change in policy was effective as of
September 1, 2010.
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To Increase Energy:
Drink plenty of water
Be physically active
Get adequate rest
Eat well
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The Myth
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The Truth…
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Questions?
Comments?
November 2011