As energy drinks gain popularity among youths, experts highlight health risks and push for better regulation and alternatives.
Earlier this year, Singapore’s Parliament debated the regulation of caffeinated energy drinks, raising concerns about their growing popularity among adults and youths. The issue hits close to home for many, with energy drinks often marketed as essential tools for productivity and stamina.
Take Joe, a delivery driver who relies on energy drinks like Red Bull to stay alert during grueling 15-hour workdays. His usage highlights a troubling trend—energy drinks are not only consumed by adults managing intense schedules but also by students pressured to excel academically.
Youth and the Energy Drink Boom
Energy drinks like Monster Energy and Red Bull are heavily marketed to younger audiences through sponsorships of events such as esports and breakdancing competitions. Newer brands like Prime, endorsed by influencers like Logan Paul and KSI, have become status symbols for pre-teens.
Despite their popularity, the health risks are well-documented. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to heart palpitations, hypertension, and long-term developmental issues, particularly for young people whose bodies are still maturing. Reports of irregular heartbeats, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological effects among minors have sparked global concern.
Regulation Efforts Around the World
Countries like the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe have already taken steps to restrict energy drink sales to minors. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health is considering similar measures, following a Parliamentary proposal by Nominated MP See Jinli Jean.
Singapore’s proactive stance could align with global trends, such as age restrictions on energy drink sales in Norway (14+), Romania (18+), and New Zealand’s caffeine content limits. These efforts echo the regulation of alcohol and cigarettes during earlier public health campaigns.
Organic Alternatives and Education
As the demand for energy grows, alternatives to traditional energy drinks are emerging. Cherie Lui, co-founder of Flojo, has developed a neuroscience-based energy drink that uses natural herbs like ginseng and reishi to boost alertness without the harmful effects of caffeine and sugar.
“With modern society’s thirst for more energy, it’s critical to provide healthier options,” Cherie explains. Flojo contains just 18mg of caffeine and 4.3g of sugar per can, compared to the 80mg of caffeine and 26g of sugar in a can of Red Bull.
However, convincing youths to choose healthier alternatives remains challenging, especially when big brands dominate with extensive marketing budgets and celebrity endorsements.
The Road Ahead
While regulating energy drink sales to minors is a step forward, experts agree that education plays a crucial role. Teaching young people about the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption and encouraging healthier habits can help address the root of the problem.
Ultimately, protecting youths from the harmful effects of energy drinks requires a multi-faceted approach, combining regulation, education, and the promotion of safer alternatives.
