Energy Drinks in Nigeria

Watch that Energy Drink!

Yemi Olakitan

Unregulated intake of caffeinated energy drinks could spell disaster for consumers

       Nigerians’ love for energy drinks is evident in the myriad of brands that have saturated the markets in the past few years.  There are so many brands; Power Horse, London Best, Red Bull, Spark, Monstar, Hippo and many more. The popular appeal of the non-alcoholic drink is that it enhances mental and physical performance because of the ingredients, chief of which is caffeine. The question on the lips of many is this: Is energy drink good for our health?  According to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA, energy drink caffeine content generally ranges from 50 mg to 505 mg per can or bottle. The World Health Organization says Caffeine, like nicotine, meets some of its criteria for a drug of dependence and acts on the dopamine system in the same way as amphetamines and cocaine.

        Four years ago when Hummer Bonus International Limited launched its brand of energy drink, Hippo at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos, it warned consumers not to take more than one can of its energy drink in a day. However, it claimed among other things that Caffeine has beneficial effects on mental and physical functions in human body. It has an influence on breathing and ability of the cardiac muscles to contract, as well as the heart rate. It has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and speed up cardiac activity. The company says, ‘‘Caffeine stimulates fat burning during endurance activities and thereby helps to use fat stores in the body, which results in a more efficient supply of energy. If this is true, urgent findings are required to ascertain veracity of the recent hullabaloo on the dangers of energy drink in popular Nigerian media.

    Ms. Ifeoma Akobi, pharmacist and CEO IBI specialties opined that, caffeine can be addictive.  She said, moderate caffeine consumption poses no real risk to the general population. However she said people often abuse it. ‘‘It is the unregulated use of energy drink that becomes dangerous to one’s health. I used to know someone who takes Red bull on a daily basis. Every morning, he drinks it.  He could not do without it.  It is like a student who uses coffee to study in order to prevent sleep. You cannot cheat nature for long. The body will surely ask for its dues. Most people who take energy drinks make it a habit and this is bad. There are people who are highly sensitive to caffeine any amount could cause a variety of adverse effects such as insomnia, headaches, irritability, restlessness, hallucinations, nervousness, and increased urination,’’ Speaking further she warned that caffeinated products should not be consumed during pregnancy and recommended a brand of energy drink which she said is caffeine free and produces the same result as any brand of energy drink, called FAB, manufactured by Forever Living Products, which said is caffeine free.

     Michael Orie, a journalist said he avoids energy drinks totally but he sometimes takes coffee and does not feel any side effects but at other times a cup of coffee can give him severe headaches, as a result of this, he has decided to avoid coffee, instead, he prefers tea which do not contain the same quantity of caffeine as coffee or energy drink.

        Professional Nutritionist, Health and Wellness Expert, Princess Kathy Emiko, CEO Body Perfect said, ‘‘unless someone is involved in high energy activity, there is no need to take energy drink. People who are involved in high energy activity such as athletes, dancers, weightlifters or construction workers can take a minimal amount of energy drink and without any health hazards. When people take too much energy drinks, it can lead to high blood pressure and even death, ‘’ she said,  ‘‘caffeine has been shown to inhibit absorption of iron and calcium and has an effect, which may lead to fluid loss,  constriction of blood vessels can also occur when caffeine is ingested, which can cause poor circulation. Diabetics are often cautioned to avoid caffeine because it leads to an increase in blood sugar.’’  She said.

      In another chat with a Pharmacognosist, Chukwuma Muanyan who defined pharmacognosy as "the study of medicine from natural sources, he advocated moderation in the intake of energy drinks, according to him energy drinks has different effects on different people but moderation should be generally observed by all.  While some people may enjoy the health benefits in the consumption of caffeine, others may face the other side of the stimulant.       People need to study their genetic make-up and body reactions in order to know whether they should take energy drink or not. Chukwuma recommended coconut water as a form of energy drink, particularly for sports men and women.  He said, coconut water is a natural alternative that does not just boost energy levels in joggers and athletes, but lowers blood sugar levels and diabetes risk. According to him, a cup of coconut water from the young green coconut has been shown to be low in calories, has no fats or cholesterol, and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium (about 600 milligrams that is more than a banana), calcium and magnesium, making it a healthy drink. It has even been used intravenously, directly into the human blood stream, to stabilize electrolytes or treat people who were severely dehydrated.  During the Pacific War of 1941 to 45, both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water - siphoned directly from the nut - to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers. Chukwuma said, coconuts are anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. It is recommended that mixing coconut water with other juices for a tasty blend increases the health benefit and decreases the amount of calories and sugars in the drink.
      However a recent study at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Munich had positive news about energy drinks. It says healthy people may have better heart function if they regularly consume energy drinks containing caffeine and taurine. The left and right ventricles of the heart increased shortly after consuming energy drinks.  A group of 25 young healthy people, who participated in a research conducted by scientists, had their diastolic blood pressure rose six per cent, while an increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure wasn’t statistically significant an hour after consuming energy drinks.  Other findings suggest that caffeine reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease and type 2-diabetes.  A modest consumption of 12.5 to 100 mg of caffeine can improve cognitive performance and mood. Doses of caffeine of six mg/kg body weight (BW) and nine mg/kg BW were equally as effective in increasing exercise performance. Larger doses of caffeine may not deliver a better response. A French study showed a slower decline in cognitive abilities among women who consumed caffeine. In small quantities, caffeine can relieve migraines and enhance the pain-reducing effects of aspirin or other pain relievers, and is believed to help lessen the symptoms of allergy and asthma sufferers. Caffeine also increases dopamine production, a chemical that improves feelings of well-being.

        In 2008, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) Prof. Dora Akunyili assured regular consumers of energy drinks of the quality of products registered by the agency. She said, any energy drink that is registered by NAFDA has the normal amount of Caffeine. She urged consumers to always read the label so that they can be sure that they are buying an original product.  In June 2012, NAFDAC National Coordinator, David West announced a raid which was successfully carried out by the Agency in Edo state. Similar raids have been reported in other parts of the country. West alerted Nigerians to beware of fake and substandard energy drinks and watch carefully that the product they drink is fully registered with NAFDAC.  Officials of the agency who spoke on the issue said that Nigerians often abuse the products by drinking them in excess, sometimes mixing them with alcoholic drinks. This may lead to caffeine intoxication and increases the fatality of the drinks. They call for moderation which is the only way one can maintain good health. A can of energy drink once a week they say, is safe. Energy drinks when taken in a regulated and responsible manner may be beneficial to health according to while unregulated intake of energy drinks may be disastrous.