I Need Energy!!

         What is the easiest way to boost your energy these days? Well if you don't have time for a nap, my guess is you're going to stop by the next gas station and buy a Red Bull, a 5-hour Energy Shot, a Monster, or whatever your poison may be. Most energy drinks taste pretty good and make you feel more alert within minutes. Unfortunately they can do a lot more than that.        According to the article "Energy Drinks Pose Serious Health Risks For Young People" by Emma Hitt PhD, energy drinks can have serious side effects on the human body, especially in teens and young adults. The article explains energy drinks are classified as "nutritional supplements", which is why they are allowed to have so much caffeine in them; the main ingredient that "wakes" us up when consumed. The Food and Drug Administration has set a limit of 71mg of caffeine per twelve fl oz for soda and requires the same safety tests and labeling as for pharmaceuticals. But since energy drinks do not fall in this same category, they can contain anywhere from 75mg to 400mg of caffeine per container. In 2007, there were 5448 caffeine overdoses in the U.S. alone, of which 46% occurred among children and young adults up to the ages of 19.
         Other countries such as Germany, Australia, and New Zealand have already associated conditions such as liver damage, kidney failure, psychotic disorders, or seizures with regular and/or excessive consumption of caffeine. Other studies have added eating disorders, confusion, agitation, diabetes, and cardiac disorders to the list of consequences of energy drinks.  
        So if this is really true, then my question is why the has the FDA not put any restriction on these drinks yet? In my opinion there should be at least an age limit for buying energy drinks. A 14 year old can't buy cigarettes or alcohol. Caffeine is just as addictive as either of these substances, possibly even worse. I urge you to get more rest, or snack on some brain food like nuts, raisins, or even a candy bar the next time you're feeling "drained". It would be a lot healthier and more gentle on your body.