An energy drink is a beverage comprising stimulating components, normally caffeine. These constituents serve as stimulants that can influence the body’s electrolyte balance by increasing the amount of fluid that comes out as sweat (Wassef et al., 2017). Other symptoms which may arise from consuming large quantities of caffeine include migraines, insomnia, anxiousness, irritability, restlessness, stomach discomfort, irregular heartbeat, and muscular tremor (Sara, 2020). Health problems associated with these drinks are much more severe in people with high blood pressure or heart conditions (Wassef et al., 2017). Health center visits attributable to caffeine’s excessive consumption are frequently accredited to dehydration, seizures, and extremely high blood pressure.
There are laws and regulations which govern the production, distribution, and consumption of food and other products. Industries making such products should therefore be strictly regulated because the high concentration of caffeine puts younger consumers at risk of intoxication. The hazards to people’s health keep increasing as the use of this substance in food and beverages continue rising, and because of such an exponential rise in usage, strict regulation should be considered.
Energy drink firms should not be permitted to sell these beverages to minors because they can cause heart abnormalities and seizures in children. About caffeine from natural sources, most of the stimulants comprise generic drug caffeine. These cumulative sources can cause increased heartbeat and a raise in blood pressure rate (Erdemir, 2016). During and after physical activity, one can still drink mineral water instead of sports drinks, which carry extra calories which lead to obesity and tooth decay. Children are a susceptible group that needs to be protected at all costs.
It should be illegal to sell these drinks to children under the age of sixteen years. It is because they are still young, and they would not be able to regulate consumption, thus resulting in addiction. Furthermore, due to their tender age, the risks are high, and, therefore, relevant authorities should impose an age ban on these products to sixteen years and below.
These drinks should have a warning label and should sensitize and educate people on the risks associated with excessive consumption of such beverages. It should be done in good faith, as it will help save many people from diseases and other health complications. By doing so, the companies would be in a position where they can absolve themselves from any blame should anything go wrong.
References
Erdemir, U. (2016). Effects of energy and sports drinks on tooth structures and restorative materials. World Journal of Stomatology, 5(1), 1. Web.
Sara, C. (2020). The cardiovascular effects of energy drinks. Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, 3(1), 1-5. Web.
Wassef, B., Kohansieh, M., & Makaryus, A. (2017). Effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system. World Journal of Cardiology, 9(11), 796-806. Web.