Spain tops energy drinks market as it emerges they ‘can make children pile on pounds´

PUBLISHED: July 9, 2011 at 9:45 am  •  LAST EDITED: July 24, 2011 at 9:07 am
Health  •  0 Comments

• Among the energy drinks that were highlighted as harmful were Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar

CHILDREN given energy drinks are piling on the pounds because they are not active enough to burn off the extra calories, doctors have warned.

The news comes as it emerged that Spain has the world’s fastest growing market for energy drinks, with a growth of 13 per cent in just five years.

The medics insist that energy drinks, containing up to 270 calories, should never be given to children.

One of the main problems with these refreshments is caffeine, which can reach toxic levels up to 14 times greater than in other soft drinks.

The stimulant has been linked to seizures, diabetes, heart problems and behavioural disorders.

Among the energy drinks that were highlighted as harmful were Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar.

Dr Holly Benjamin, of the American Academy on the Paediatric committee on nutrition, said most children’s activity levels are too low to burn off calorie-laden drinks.

She said: “Children don’t need them and they could contribute to obesity and tooth decay.”

Instead, children should be offered water to quench their thirst and drink the recommended daily amount of fruit juice and low-fat milk with meals.

Sales of energy drinks in Spain are expected to hit 71 million euros this year, up from 53.43 million euros in 2006.

Reader Comments »

Messages will be moderated or deleted if they:
• Are considered likely to disrupt, provoke, attack or offend others
• Are racist, sexist, homophobic, sexually explicit, abusive or otherwise objectionable
• Contain swear words or other language likely to offend
• Break the law or condone or encourage unlawful activity. This includes breach of copyright, defamation and contempt of court
• Advertise products or services for profit or gain
• Are seen to impersonate someone else
• Include contact details such as phone numbers, postal or email addresses
• Describe or encourage activities which could endanger the safety or well-being of others