Institute of Public Health so far has repeatedly warned of the potential danger of energy drinks consumption among young people, who practice to consume more doses in a short time or simultaneously consuming alcohol.
Energy drinks contain sugar, caffeine over 150mg / l, usually in the range from 250 to 300 mg / l and should not contain more than 320mg / l. Also they contain B vitamins and thus stimulating the metabolism of sugars and increase mental and physical preparedness. Caffeine acts to increase awakeness, concentration, but also stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system and can cause rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and high blood pressure. Besides caffeine, they may contain other stimulants such as guarana, taurine, ect.
So far, we repeatedly insisted on the energy drinks’ declaration to be clearly stated the following warning:
- energy drink must not be mixed with alcohol and not be consumed simultaneously with alcohol
- In any case, two doses per day should not be exceed (500ml)
- children and young people under 18 years should not consume it
- people hypersensitive to caffeine, pregnant women and people suffering from diabetes should not consume
Unfortunately, these warnings, if listed, are written with such small letters, often hardly legible for consumers.
European Agency for Food Safety Studies suggests that in the European Union- 30% of adults, 68% of adolescents and 18% of children under 10 years consume energy drinks. These worrying data requires serious actions concerning youth education and restricting on these beverage marketing.
The World Health Organization expressed concern over the increased consumption of energy drinks and the potential danger to the health of young people.
Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Macedonia also considers that energy drinks pose a threat to young people’s health who often use them uncontrolled, in increased quantities.
