Two professional snowboarders are garnering support in their
campaign to eschew energy drinks in favor of water. Austin Smith and Bryan Fox
say that their opposition to energy drinks is due to the ingredients. In
addition to sugar and caffeine, the drinks contain guarana (a plant with caffeine),
taurine (an amino acid) and ginseng. The Food and Drug Administration does not
regulate energy drinks. (It does regulate traditional soda drinks.)
Caffeine in particular is not recommended for youngsters. In
anyone, excessive caffeine intake can increase blood pressure and the heart
rate. In some people, excessive caffeine can cause irregular heart rates,
hyperactivity and anxiety. Few people in the United States are in need of more
sugar.
Red Bull dominates 40% of the energy drink market. None of
its products contain substances banned from performance sports events. Red Bull’s
official position is that “athletes should combine plenty of water with
physical activity and energy drinks.” The best liquid for hydration, even at
high-level athletic activity, is water. As fellow citizens of the planet, we
should lessen our footprint by avoiding one-use drink containers.
Much of the world does not have access to clean water and
sanitation. Learn more at water.org
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