Monday, February 14, 2011

Lemming Tracks: Energy Drinks, Common Sense, and 'There Oughtta be a Law'

"Energy Drinks May Hurt Kids: Study"
Randy Dotinga, Health, US News and World Report (February 14, 2011)

"Children with existing health or emotional issues most at risk, researchers say

"Energy drinks such as Red Bull, AMP and Rockstar have no health value and may even harm some children and teens, a new review finds.
Click here to find out more!

The increasingly popular, highly caffeinated drinks are especially risky for children with heart abnormalities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other health or emotional problems, said Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz, co-author of the study, published online Feb. 14 in the journal Pediatrics.


" 'It's a set of products that are totally unregulated and have no therapeutic benefit,' said Lipshultz, chairman of pediatrics at the University of Miami.

"Surveys suggest that 30 percent to 50 percent of U.S. teenagers and young people consume energy drinks, despite warnings about their safety. Many users mix the energy drinks with alcohol, further heightening the potential for ill effects, say the researchers...."

Something's Not Regulated?! SHOCKING!!!

The Lemming doesn't have much doubt that chugalugging a six-pack of Red Bull, with a beer chaser, might not be good for a teenager with heart problems.

For that matter, it might put someone in perfect health in a tad less than tip-top shape.

Credit where credit is due. US News lets someone besides the 'experts' have a say:

"...But the maker of Red Bull took issue with the findings.

" 'This article just draws together material from the Internet, and largely ignores in its conclusions the genuine, scientifically rigorous examination of energy drinks by reputable national authorities. For example, the European Unions food safety authorities spent 10 years thoroughly examining energy drinks and concluded that the key ingredients [taurine and glucuronolactone] are of no concern,' Red Bull officials said in a statement. 'The effects of caffeine are well-known, and as an 8.4-ounce can of Red Bull contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee [80 mg], it should be treated accordingly.'..."

Does the Lemming think a steady diet of Red Bull, Mountain Dew, Twinkies, and deep fat fried pork rinds would be good for a teenager? Or anybody else?

No.

On the other hand, the Lemming is drearily familiar with folks who are incensed that others don't act they way they're 'supposed to.' And think that 'the government' should regulate what the rest of us eat, drink, watch, wear, and - if possible - think.

'For our own good,' of course.

The Lemming thinks that moderate degrees of physical activity and a diet that's long on complex carbohydrates, protein, and other parts of a sane diet is good for people. But the Lemming's not going to cobble together a 'scare' article to frighten folks into eating the 'right' way.

That's the sort of thing 'experts' do, it seems.

Almost-related posts:About "apathy," the Lemming's' way:

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