Energy drink concerns

• Reporter: David Richardson
• Broadcast Date: December 11, 2008

Some energy drinks are said to give you wings but experts are saying you should be wary when consuming them.

They are the fastest growing drink in the market, worth $4.8 billion a year.

One concern is caffeine levels and content varies from drink to drink, an average serving contains 107mg of caffeine, compared with 34-38mg milligrams for the same amount of Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

Monster has 120mg and Red Bull has 116mg.

Addiction specialist, Dr Ray Seidler, said there is a danger in mixing energy drinks with alcohol.

"There's a real risk in terms of violence, aggression and drink driving. I think people are more likely to get in their car if they had a stimulant because they don't feel as intoxicated and they're more likely to take risks," he said.

"You don't realise how intoxicated you are on the alcohol and you can drink more than you do normally."

Dr Seidler said there are concerns of how they also can react with your heart.

Cardio vascular researchers at the Royal Adelaide Hospital have found that just one can of Red Bull a day can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, even in young people.

The Australian Consumers' Association has done tests on the beverages.

Their finding should serve as a warning to any parent.

Christopher Zinn from Choice said some of the energy drinks can have up to 12 teaspoons of sugar in them.

"More than most soft drinks, they're highly loaded with sugar," he said.

http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/article/5207518/health/energy-drink-concerns

Dietary supplement

Lately there's a big trend in Australia for both healthy individual and patients with chronic disease start taking dietary supplement, such as the most common Vitamin C, E , B-complex, multi-vitamin, or even supplements like royal jelly, propolis, etc. Hence, the verdict comes down to "Do we really need it or not?"

Definition of Dietary supplement:
A dietary supplement, also known as food supplement or nutritional supplement, is a preparation intended to supply nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids, that are missing or are not consumed in sufficient quantity in a person's diet. Some countries define dietary supplements as foods, while in others they are defined as drugs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_supplement

Hence, they are differ from any of the medication that used to treat the disease, such as Diabetes, or even headache!

Common questions raised by patients:
- "Which brand?"
- "Do I need it?"
- "Will that contraindicate with my medication?"

So "Do we need it" and which one?
Unfortunately, there aren't enough clinical studies to confirm that each dietary supplement's indication correspond with what the public's perceived. Often, there are myths spread around patients, family and friends that certain dietary supplement have super-effect?!

If the dietary supplement has been taken in an incorrect manner, not only it will affect one's health but also it can be a financial burden. For example, excessive Vitamin A can be toxic. Finally, it is worth considering to consult your own doctor and/or Dietitian before taking any supplement.