A new report by safefood into Energy Drinks in Ireland has found a massive increase in the number of products on sale compared with 2002 and some brands containing up to 16 teaspoons of sugar. The report also found that some brands cost less than €0.50 cent a can. Males aged 15-24 were the highest consumers² of energy drinks (64%) and over half of those who consumed energy drinks (54%) consumed them at least once a week or more frequently.
According to Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director, Human Health & Nutrition at safefood:“It’s really remarkable that these products are so prevalent and together, energy drinks and sports drinks now comprise more than 20% of the soft drinks market in Ireland. Consumption can have health consequences because of their sugar and caffeine content. A typical small 250 ml can has sugar levels of 6 teaspoons per can which is equivalent to a full chocolate bar. The caffeine content is high and drinking 2 small cans and one small espresso of coffee drives an adult’s daily caffeine intake above recommended levels. In addition, the use of energy drinks as a mixer with alcohol among young adults also has consequences in the context of Ireland’s current binge–drinking culture. safefood’s position continues to be that these drinks are not recommended as a mixer for alcoholic beverages but this is now common and part of the binge drinking culture prevalent particularly amongst our 15-24 year olds.”
Energy drinks are not suitable for children under 16 or for rehydration purposes following sport", she said. "Furthermore, the marketing of these products should be undertaken without any ambiguity or association with sport or alcohol. An awareness campaign of the potential health issues, targeted specifically at young people, is something that needs to happen.”
