NCJ Number
203750
Date Published
July 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the use of energy drinks and ephedrine by college students.
Abstract
Nutritional supplements and energy drinks have gained popularity among college-age students and are associated with the deaths of some college athletes. Energy drinks and ephedrine-containing energy-enhancing pills, diet aids, muscle-enlargers, and other supplements fall under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which states that products deriving from herbs and natural sources are classified as food, rather than as drugs. These legal substances, which produce appealing, steroid-like effects, are marketed heavily to college-age athletes, club-goers, dancers, and partyers. The energy drink and herbal industry’s vast marketing presence has created an environment where students understand little about these products’ adverse effects. Energy drinks are beverages loaded with caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients such as ginseng, taurine, guarana, and B-complex vitamins. Other energy drinks contain ephedrine. A 2001 survey of 1,081 college students found that 22 percent reported using energy drinks. Energy drinks can become dangerous when taken after exercise or mixed with alcohol. Adverse effects include dehydration, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, nosebleeds, and vomiting. Reports claim that energy drinks have caused even more severe reactions, such as seizure, heart arrhythmia, and death. The stimulating effect of energy drinks is deceiving, causing people to feel less intoxicated than they actually are and making it harder for bartenders to determine whether their patrons should no longer be served. As a result, people may be more inclined to drive while impaired. Ephedrine, an energy enhancer and diet aid, is marketed largely to college athletes to increase strength and endurance levels. Herbal companies often misinform consumers about the actual ingredients and dosages in their products. Ephedrine can induce headaches, insomnia, tremors, nerve damage, rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, hypertension, strokes, heart attacks, seizures, brain damage, and death. Strategies for institutions of higher education should include creating a social environment that promotes healthy social norms; limiting availability and access; restricting marketing and promotion; and enforcing campus policy and State and local laws. 48 references