Did you know that, in Australia, manufacturers of “energy drinks” may be bypassing regulation through a legal loophole — if a product is called a “dietary supplement”, it is not bound by the usual caffeine limits of 80 mg per 250 mL can? So say Australian authors Oddy and O’Sullivan in a commissioned editorial in the BMJ. They also say that anectodal evidence suggests that children who regularly consume energy drinks could become dependent on them; further, that even moderate consumption at this age may be detrimental. As caffeine is not only addictive but has no nutritive value, erring on the side of caution by banning energy drinks may be warranted but requires further research before widespread bans are put in place. In the meantime, why not promote water as the preferred drink for not only children but also people of all ages?
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