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Energy drink for performance enhancement in sports a health threat, warns top physician
View(s):Energy drinks are dangerous and an emerging public health threat among schoolchildren taking part in competitive sports, warned a doctor, cautioning parents and coaches against encouraging their consumption for performance improvement. Strongly urging school authorities to discourage children from taking energy drinks, Consultant Physician Dr. Waruna Gunathilake, Head of Department, Toxicology and National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC), said that they should be extra vigilant during sports events. The warnings came in the wake of some concerned parents from leading schools in Colombo contacting the NPIC based at the National Hospital, on the safety and consequences of taking energy drinks, the Sunday Times understands.
Dr. Gunathilake pointed out that from information gathered by the NPIC it has come to light that before competitive sports events such as rugby or swimming matches, coaches and sometimes parents encourage children to imbibe energy drinks to improve performance.
Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine in addition to ingredients not found in sodas and juices, he explained, pointing out that the level of sugar in these drinks is very high, much more than even colas. The consequences of taking energy drinks regularly would be disastrous, according to him, as in their wake could come diabetes, heart disease, neurological manifestations such as hyper-excitability, weight gain as well as dental caries.
“The high caffeine content would cause sleep disturbances, an increase in body temperature and gastritis while the high-level of sodium could result in high blood pressure, increased heart rate and heart problems,” he said, adding that it would also decrease the seizure threshold and increase the risk of fits. Caffeine could lead to physical dependence and addiction.
The synthetic amino acid, taurine, which is present in energy drinks, meanwhile, has uncertain long-term health hazards as it is not a natural substance, he said.
Quoting the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Gunathilake states that energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents, due to their stimulant content.Some European countries have already banned the sale of some of the energy drinks, while mixing it with alcohol is very risky, it is learnt.
For more information, the NPIC hotline: 011-2686143 may be contacted during working hours.The Sunday Times highlighted this issue in an article headlined, ‘Energy drinks with caffeine may be fatal, Cardiologist warns athletes’ on March 31.
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