Are sports and energy drinks safe?

Q: Has any energy drink been banned recently? If yes, in which country and why? What are the side effects of drinking sports or energy drinks? Is Gatorade a banned energy drink?

A:Red Bull energy drink: It contains caffeine, vitamins, and sugar, which, the company claims, kick-starts the body’s metabolism and keeps people alert. Only France, Denmark and Norway have banned the drink. The fizzy drink has been linked to several deaths and some experts have criticised its high levels of caffeine and other stimulants.Cocaine energy drink: Banned in Australia. The name of the product was a big issue. Spike Shooter energy drink: Banned in Colorado in USAGatorade: Banned only in Pubic Schools of Connecticut, USA. The law prohibits schools from selling regular and diet soda as well as electrolyte replacement drinks such as GatoradeEnergy drink has been defined as “a carbonated beverage that exceeds a caffeine content of 71 milligrams per 12 oz. serving and contains taurine and glucuronolactone.Adverse effects associated with caffeine consumption in amounts greater than 400 mg include nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, increased urination, abnormal heart rhythms ,decreased bone levels, and stomach upset. The concentration of sugar in a sports drink is recommended to be 6-7% carbohydrate to allow maximum absorption and minimize spikes and crashes in blood sugar. Higher concentrations such as those seen in energy drinks increase the possibility of dehydration. When a high level of sugar is in the blood stream the body cannot get the water into the cells that it needs because the water is busy trying to dilute concentration of sugar in the blood stream. This leads to dehydration.Caution is also advised even for healthy adults who choose to consume energy beverages. Consumption of a single energy beverage will not lead to excessive caffeine intake; however, consumption of two or more beverages in a single day can. Excess consumption of energy drinks may induce mild to moderate euphoria primarily caused by stimulant properties of caffeine and may also induce agitation, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.