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Smartplay Snippets
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| Welcome to the new look Smartplay web-site! You
will find a huge amount of information on sport, sports injuries
and their prevention as well as information on improving your
sports performance. Each month is Smartplay Snippets we will address
a topical issue related to sport, recreation, physical activity
and injury prevention. So visit us regularly to get all the latest.
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The Buzz On Energy Drinks
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Issue 2 |
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The consumption of “energy drinks ”containing substances
such as caffeine and guarana is increasing rapidly with their
growing popularity. A recent Australian survey found that
27% of boys aged 8-12 years had consumed these energy drinks
in the 2 week period prior to the survey.
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What do these drinks contain?
Energy drinks usually contain ingredients such as:
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| Caffeine: |
The typical energy drink provides about 80mg
of caffeine per can (although this varies between brands).This
is about the same as the amount of caffeine provided by
an average strength cup of instant coffee, and about twice
the amount in a cup of tea or can of cola soft drink. |
| Guarana: |
Guarana is a caffeine-containing extract from
a South American plant. It is the main source of caffeine
present in these drinks. |
| Sugar: |
The amount of sugar in energy drinks is usually
much higher (10-12%)than in “sports drinks ” ((6-8%). Although
sugar provides a quick source of energy, too much can lead
to dental problems and obesity. Higher levels of sugar can
also slow the body ’s absorption of water, which makes these
drinks unsuitable for use during or after exercise. |
| Protein: |
Proteins such as taurine are sometimes added
to these drinks. As the typical Australian diet is relatively
high in protein, few people are likely to benefit from their
inclusion. |
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What are the health effects of the caffeine in these drinks?
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Caffeine is a ‘stimulant ’that speeds up parts of the body
and brain. It increases heart rate, blood pressure and body
temperature. In very high doses it can cause hand tremors
and changes in the hearts rhythm. As a diuretic, it can also
cause dehydration. Too much caffeine can have a negative effect
both on sports performance and on health.
The typical consumers of energy drinks are young people.
Although many parents would not allow their young children
to drink coffee or tea, many are not aware of the quantity
of caffeine in these drinks. Young children can suffer disturbed
sleeping patterns, bed-wetting and anxiety from the caffeine
in just one can of energy drink. It is clear that pre-teenage
children should not consume high caffeine drinks and their
use by people in their early teens should also be discouraged.
Some people are especially sensitive to caffeine, showing
symptoms such as tremors, sleep disturbances and stomach upsets
following even small doses of caffeine. The following people
should avoid the high caffeine intake from energy drinks:
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Some people choose to mix energy drinks with
alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can both cause dehydration even
when used on their own. When combined, the consumer is more
likely to suffer the effects of dehydration including fainting,
dizziness, headaches, nausea and loss of coordination and balance.
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Do these drinks really provide a ‘boost’ to sports
performance?
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There is no doubt that caffeine enhances sports performance
in elite athletes. As such the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) has banned its use above a certain level (as detected
in the athlete ’s urine). Elite athletes therefore need to
be especially careful with their caffeine intake, particularly
around competition time.
As with any drug, the use of caffeine to boost sports performance
is considered to be cheating and against the ethics of sport.
However for most people the greater concern is for the risks
associated with its use before or during physical activity.
As stimulant, caffeine increases the heart r te and may cause
irregular or abnormal heartbeats. Stimulants also contribute
to loss of coordination and balance, and affect the body ’s
ability to maintain a regular temperature. This, combined
with the dehydrating effect of the caffeine, may place the
athlete at a greater risk of suffering from heat illness,
particularly when exercising in warmer weather.
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Summary
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Energy drinks are a source of caffeine, which
lthough potentially harmful to some people, can safely be consumed
in moderation. However, consuming too much caffeine from any
source shortly before physical activity, is more likely to have
a negative effect on performance for the average athlete. Anyone
using caffeine prior to exercise should be aware of the potential
side effects and should aim to prevent these by moderating their
intake and drinking plenty of water.
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Thank you to Sports Medicine Australia (WA) for allowing
the use of this Fact Sheet.
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If you would like a PDF of the above information
it is available here accessing this download
(252kb file) |
Enjoy the rest of your summer sport.
Stay tuned for more Smartplay Snippets!
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