Within the last decade, energy drink consumption has risen dramatically. According to a study done at Yale in 2011 there was a twelve and a half percent increase in energy drink consumption, and “the sale of energy drinks surpassed that of either sports or fruit drinks (Pomeranz 1).” The recent growth of energy drinks may arouse the question as to what is so good about energy drinks. Energy drinks are advertised to give individuals a higher energy level, to make a person feel more awake, and to boost attention span. There are many people who may find energy drinks a good option. It is cheaper than a coffee at Starbucks, it has fast caffeine delivery and it is very convenient because you can buy them at vending machines, convenient stores grocery stores, etc. Nevertheless, despite the benefits and recent growth there has also been some negative …show more content…
For instance, sodium is highly concentrated in energy drinks, a study from The Journal of American Public Health Policy in 2010 found that “the median sodium level was one hundred and twenty-three mg per eight oz. serving or shot (Pomeranz 6).” This is more than three times the amount in soda. Many energy drinks contain extreme levels of sodium, some “containing three hundred and forty mg per eight oz. servings. Diets high in sodium can result in high blood pressure and increased risk for heart disease and stroke (Pomeranz 7).” According to The Journal of Public Health Policy, other commonly found ingredients in energy drinks contain Guarana, Taurine and Panax ginseng. Guarana is considered bad for the youth because it increases the total amount of caffeine in the product. Taurine is amino acids that cell metabolism and is supposed to help with athletic performance (Pomeranz 7). However, the FDA has not been able to make a link between the two. The American academy of pediatrics says that taurine and guarana should be discouraged from the youth (Pomeranz