Mountain Dew’s energy drink is a new addition to the slew of other caffeinated beverages that are now available in Canada. A recent Globe and Mail article that detailed how the new drink stacked up alongside other caffeinated drinks. It reported that Mountain Dew Energy contains 91 milligrams of caffeine while Red Bull has 130 milligrams and Monster has 169 milligrams. In comparison, a cup of brewed coffee contains 135 milligrams of caffeine while a cup of tea has 43 milligrams.
The article reported the high levels of caffeine in these energy drinks “cause children to be distracted and unable to concentrate, and interfere with their sleep.” As a diuretic and stimulant, caffeine causes headaches, irritability, depression and nervousness. Caffeine is also habit-forming.
Health Canada’s website also warns: “‘Energy drinks’ should not be confused with sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade, which re-hydrate the body. These sports drinks also provide sugars, which the body burns to create energy and replenish electrolytes. Electrolytes maintain salt and potassium balances in the body.”
We live in a society fixated on image and efficiency. These energy drinks are a quick and unhealthy method to avoid consuming the food necessary for proper vitamin and mineral intake. They also give us the ability to stay up longer than our bodies will allow.
Red Bull was only approved for sale by Health Canada in 2004. It is sold as a natural health product (NHP). Based on their ingredients, like caffeine and vitamins, certain products need to be sold as NHPs—not foods—and have natural health product numbers. Other energy beverages including Mountain Dew Energy, have yet to be assessed by Health Canada.
What is most alarming is that although a warning is printed on each product, children will most likely disregard such labels, not knowing how much caffeine is in their beloved green pop or even why they should care. The article reports the safe amount of caffeine for a 10-year-old is 65 milligrams. Mountain Dew Energy exceeds this limit by 25 milligrams.
Regardless of what companies might say, the drinks’ bright colours and pretty packaging are extremely appealing to children. In recent years, children have become yet another market for consumer products—there are even cell phones designed especially for children.
It is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to teach children about nutrition and about products like Mountain Dew Energy, which are marketed to them but are clearly harmful for them. As a society, we must reassess the lifestyles we are promoting. At the same time, we hope Health Canada will reassess its legislation regarding these energy drinks and their makers’ ability to target them to children.
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