Health Discoveries in Health Research News
Energy drinks don't measure up to health claims
August 18, 2010
A Florida research team found that claims of better athletic performance and weight loss caused by drinking energy beverages aren't necessarily true and could lead to excessive caffeine intake.
"Most of the performance-enhancing effects of energy drinks can be linked to their caffeine content," said Stephanie Ballard, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Nova Southeastern University. "Increases in burning calories and losing weight are likely subject to diminishing returns as users become habituated to caffeine."
Published in a recent issue of The Physician and Sportsmedicine, the researchers' findings point out that the FDA limits caffeine in soft drinks to 71 mg per 12 fluid ounces, but that energy drinks can contain as much as 505 mg of caffeine in a single container.
In addition, some have high sugar content that "may be contributing to the obesity epidemic alongside less caffeinated, sugary drinks like soda," Ballard said.
Weight reduction programs are part of the health promotion and education programs of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Programs include community screenings in collaboration with the American Heart Association and a heart healthy school program for school children in grades K-8.
"Most of the performance-enhancing effects of energy drinks can be linked to their caffeine content," said Stephanie Ballard, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Nova Southeastern University. "Increases in burning calories and losing weight are likely subject to diminishing returns as users become habituated to caffeine."
Published in a recent issue of The Physician and Sportsmedicine, the researchers' findings point out that the FDA limits caffeine in soft drinks to 71 mg per 12 fluid ounces, but that energy drinks can contain as much as 505 mg of caffeine in a single container.
In addition, some have high sugar content that "may be contributing to the obesity epidemic alongside less caffeinated, sugary drinks like soda," Ballard said.
Weight reduction programs are part of the health promotion and education programs of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Programs include community screenings in collaboration with the American Heart Association and a heart healthy school program for school children in grades K-8.