Energy Drinks Promise Edge, but Experts Say Proof Is Scant

[Southpaw]

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/health/scant-proof-is-found-to-back-up-claims-by-energy-drinks.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130102&_r=0

Energy Drinks Promise Edge, but Experts Say Proof Is Scant
By BARRY MEIER
Published: January 1, 2013 65 Comments


Energy drinks are the fastest-growing part of the beverage industry, with sales in the United States reaching more than $10 billion in 2012 — more than Americans spent on iced tea or sports beverages like Gatorade.

Thomas Fuller/The New York Times

Their rising popularity represents a generational shift in what people drink, and reflects a successful campaign to convince consumers, particularly teenagers, that the drinks provide a mental and physical edge.

The drinks are now under scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration after reports of deaths and serious injuries that may be linked to their high caffeine levels. But however that review ends, one thing is clear, interviews with researchers and a review of scientific studies show: the energy drink industry is based on a brew of ingredients that, apart from caffeine, have little, if any benefit for consumers.

“If you had a cup of coffee you are going to affect metabolism in the same way,” said Dr. Robert W. Pettitt, an associate professor at Minnesota State University in Mankato, who has studied the drinks.

Energy drink companies have promoted their products not as caffeine-fueled concoctions but as specially engineered blends that provide something more. For example, producers claim that “Red Bull gives you wings,” that Rockstar Energy is “scientifically formulated” and Monster Energy is a “killer energy brew.” Representative Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, a Democrat, has asked the government to investigate the industry’s marketing claims.....

 

[Kel Varnsen]

We don't really need experts to tell us this, do we?

 

[MadCardDisease]

It's just proof that you can sell anything with good advertising. Especially to the younger crowd.

I'm constantly talking with my kids about the advertisments that they see on TV and elsewhere. Trying to educate them that what they are seeing promoted is 99% BS. Hell I even have to do that for my wife some times.

 

[Southpaw]

It's just proof that you can sell anything with good advertising. Especially to the younger crowd.

I'm constantly talking with my kids about the advertisments that they see on TV and elsewhere. Trying to educate them that what they are seeing promoted is 99% BS. Hell I even have to do that for my wife some times.

 

[Rivercard]

It's just proof that you can sell anything with good advertising. Especially to the younger crowd.

I'm constantly talking with my kids about the advertisments that they see on TV and elsewhere. Trying to educate them that what they are seeing promoted is 99% BS. Hell I even have to do that for my wife some times.

Yep for sure. Lying and misleading are major parts of our culture.