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15/03/2016
'Massive Increase' In Energy Drink Sales
A new report has found a "massive increase" in the sale of so-called energy drinks, with some of the products containing up to 16 teaspoons of sugar.
According to the report by safefoods, males aged 15-24 were the highest consumers of energy drinks (64%) and over half of those who consumed energy drinks (54%) consumed them at least once a week – or more frequently.
Introducing the research, Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director, Human Health & Nutrition at safefood, said: "It's really remarkable that these products are so prevalent and together, energy drinks and sports drinks now comprise more than 20% of the soft drinks market in Ireland.
"Consumption can have health consequences because of their sugar and caffeine content. A typical small 250ml can has sugar levels of 6 teaspoons per can which is equivalent to a full chocolate bar.
"The caffeine content is high and drinking two small cans and one small espresso of coffee drives an adult's daily caffeine intake above recommended levels.
"In addition, the use of energy drinks as a mixer with alcohol among young adults also has consequences in the context of Ireland's current binge–drinking culture.
"safefood's position continues to be that these drinks are not recommended as a mixer for alcoholic beverages but this is now common and part of the binge drinking culture prevalent particularly amongst our 15-24 year olds."
Operation Transformation's GP, Dr Ciara Kelly, added: "Mixing an energy drink which is a stimulant, with alcohol which is a depressant, is like driving a car with your feet on the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time; it stimulates a person so they actually end up drinking for longer as they may not be aware how drunk they really are.
"GP surgeries and our A&E Departments have to deal with the effects of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. The cheap price, easy availability, aggressive marketing and consumption of these products bluntly show how far from responsible the industry truly is and why we need to ask ourselves some hard questions when it comes to their use."
(MH/JP)
According to the report by safefoods, males aged 15-24 were the highest consumers of energy drinks (64%) and over half of those who consumed energy drinks (54%) consumed them at least once a week – or more frequently.
Introducing the research, Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director, Human Health & Nutrition at safefood, said: "It's really remarkable that these products are so prevalent and together, energy drinks and sports drinks now comprise more than 20% of the soft drinks market in Ireland.
"Consumption can have health consequences because of their sugar and caffeine content. A typical small 250ml can has sugar levels of 6 teaspoons per can which is equivalent to a full chocolate bar.
"The caffeine content is high and drinking two small cans and one small espresso of coffee drives an adult's daily caffeine intake above recommended levels.
"In addition, the use of energy drinks as a mixer with alcohol among young adults also has consequences in the context of Ireland's current binge–drinking culture.
"safefood's position continues to be that these drinks are not recommended as a mixer for alcoholic beverages but this is now common and part of the binge drinking culture prevalent particularly amongst our 15-24 year olds."
Operation Transformation's GP, Dr Ciara Kelly, added: "Mixing an energy drink which is a stimulant, with alcohol which is a depressant, is like driving a car with your feet on the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time; it stimulates a person so they actually end up drinking for longer as they may not be aware how drunk they really are.
"GP surgeries and our A&E Departments have to deal with the effects of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. The cheap price, easy availability, aggressive marketing and consumption of these products bluntly show how far from responsible the industry truly is and why we need to ask ourselves some hard questions when it comes to their use."
(MH/JP)
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