The bane of energy drinks... By Irfan
08 October, 2012
There seems to be a rising trend among teenagers these days to use energy drinks at the cost of destroying their own health. I would like to enumerate some potential health problems associated with the intake of sweetened, energy or fizzy drinks: obesity that can be attributed to additional calories in the diet, the displacement of milk consumption, which results in calcium deficiency with the added risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and dental cavities and potential enamel erosion. The main stimulant ingredients in energy drinks are large doses of caffeine along with sugar, which can both cause long-term health hazards. School officials and parents need to become well informed about the health implications of such energy and fizzy drinks in schools and universities. Western countries have already regulated using only healthy drinks and juices in educational institutions. There is a need to implement a clearly defined, countrywide policy that restricts the sale of such drinks, thus safeguarding against health problems, especially in schools. DR IRFAN ZAFAR
Islamabad
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