by Tara Kompare

Created on: April 16, 2007   Last Updated: September 09, 2011

There is a new wave of liquid products that can be found tumbling into convenience stores across the globe. Energy drinks are the latest and greatest fad among teens, students, and athletes. They are consumed to help students pull all-nighters, for party power, and enhanced athletic performance.

With names ranging from Pimp Juice to Cocaine it is no wonder most parents are concerned about the appropriateness and safety of these products among our youth.

What are Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks are mixtures of sugar, caffeine, and a variety of herbal products touted to provide people with boosts of energy to help them perform better in school, at work, and in sports. Some examples of herbals found in these products include taurine, guarana, and ginseng, all of which have stimulant properties.

What are the Risks?

1. Dehydration: The primary concern relating to the use of energy drinks is the risk of dehydration. Caffeine, which is a principal component of these drinks, is a diuretic and can lead to excess fluid loss. Symptoms of dehydration include:
Early symptoms: Thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness
Advanced symptoms: Increased heart rate and body temperature, decreased sweating and urination, muscle cramps, nausea, tingling of extremities
Severe symptoms: Muscle spasms, vomiting, confusion, seizures, dim vision, racing pulse, and unconsciousness

There are two incidences where dehydration especially poses a risk. The first is among athletes who consume these beverages to gain extra stamina for competition. The combination of sweat and caffeine can lead to rapid dehydration and poses serious health risks.

Secondly, when energy drinks are mixed with alcohol, there is also an increased risk for dehydration. Alcohol, like caffeine, is also a diuretic and combining the two has the potential for real problems. Besides depleting your body of fluids, the stimulant properties of energy drinks can "fool" your body into thinking it is not intoxicated. This has the potential to create disaster when used inappropriately.

2. Excess Sugar Intake: Our society is in the midst of an obesity epidemic and our children are at the center of this devastating trend. Sugar-filled sodas now have a new friend that is enhanced with herbals and mega doses of caffeineenergy drinks. Not only does all this extra sugar increase the risks of developing diabetes and weight gain, it also contributes to poor dental health.

The combination of a sugar high and caffeine rush also sets the body up for

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