Risks in the Beverage Aisle: The Reality of Energy Drinks and Dietary Supplements
By Karyn Brodsky | Staff Writer
How often do you reach for an energy drink to power through the afternoon slump at work? How frequently do your children consume these before crucial exams? And how many hospital visits each year are linked to this very habit?
The statistics are alarming. Research compiled by the Taylor Hooton Foundation (THF), which focuses on raising awareness about the hazards of Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs), indicates that “over 20,000 emergency room admissions annually are associated with high-energy drinks and shots,” alongside several fatalities every year due to their consumption. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, www.samhsa.gov)
This issue extends beyond energy drinks. They represent just a portion of the vast array of dietary supplements that lack regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA website (www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements), “while dietary supplement manufacturers must register their facilities with the FDA, they are not required to obtain FDA approval prior to producing or marketing their products.” The THF further observes that many protein powders, creatine formulas, protein shakes, pre-workout supplements, and similar items may harbor banned ingredients such as anabolic steroids, stimulants (including methamphetamine), diuretics, and more. Donald Hooton Jr., Vice President of Education at THF, notes that “up to 25% of bodybuilding supplements may be contaminated or tainted with anabolic steroids.”
So, how can you determine if dietary supplements contain dangerous ingredients? While it seems logical to check the label, common sense alone falls short. Hooton explains, “Because these items are categorized as dietary supplements, they aren’t treated as food. Consequently, consumers must rely on manufacturers to be honest. Very few companies seek third-party certification from organizations like NSF International to affirm that the label matches the actual content.” He adds that “the average consumer will NEVER know if (the supplement) is safe. Even if anabolic steroids were listed on the label, few individuals would recognize them. For instance, testosterone alone has 200 different aliases.”
No clear warnings, deceptive ingredient additions, excessive caffeine levels, and the risk of severe health issues or death—what steps should parents take?
Educate Yourself. Take precautions and use common sense. Hooton points out that “the typical age for starting the use of dietary supplements, including creatine, protein, vitamins, and energy drinks, is around 10 to 11 years old. Many are introduced to these by their parents.”
Hooton recounts a particularly surprising incident where a mom questioned whether she was a bad parent for stopping at a gas station each morning to buy an energy drink for her 6-year-old prior to school. “Many parents mistakenly believe that products available at grocery stores, gas stations, or local health food shops are safe,” Hooton reflects. He recommends that parents investigate dietary supplement manufacturers and consult with a sports nutritionist or someone with expertise in this area.
Monitor What Your Children Consume. Hooton advises being vigilant about the serving sizes of energy drinks. Many contain multiple servings, which could lead to issues if a child consumes an entire can. For instance, a standard cup of coffee might have 150 mg of caffeine, while certain energy drinks and shots can provide as much as 500 mg per serving—about five times more than an average cup of coffee and ten times more than a 12 oz soda. Hooton also stresses the importance of being aware of additional ingredients in these drinks. Energy drinks often pack a high caffeine punch but may also include other legal stimulants that elevate heart rates and boost energy and alertness, such as taurine, guarana, and B vitamins. Furthermore, it is crucial to instruct children never to mix energy drinks with caffeine, pre-workout products, alcohol, or any other substances.
Be Aware of Signs of Steroid Usage. Hooton acknowledges that children may be secretive about using anabolic steroids, yet there are warning signs that could indicate your child is using or has taken a supplement contaminated with steroids. “Watch for puffy cheeks, back or chest acne (known as androgen-induced acne), rapid weight gain in a short time, and an unusual eagerness to work out frequently,” cautions Hooton. “It’s nearly impossible to train that much without the aid of steroids or other performance enhancers.”
By the Numbers
85 – The percentage of high school students who report never having had a conversation with a coach, parent, or teacher about the risks associated with these substances.
4,300,000 – The number of online searches for “ways to beat a steroid test.”
20,000 – Over 20,000 emergency room visits each year attributed to high caffeine and energy drink consumption.
12,000,000+ – The number of children using unregulated over-the-counter dietary supplements.
12,600,000 – The number of search results for “buy steroids” on Google.
2,000,000 – Nearly 2 million middle and high school students admit to using steroids for appearance and performance enhancement.
You may also be interested in: The Taylor Hooton Foundation
