The next big issue for athletic departments to deal with

I have quickly seen more attention being turned to energy drinks being consumed before athletic participation, especially before competition.  The health risk that this poses is often being overlooked by the kids that are consuming the beverages despite the not so ominous warnings on the side of the cans.  The biggest problem is that a lot of these beverages contain ridiculously high levels of caffeine and /or caffeine-like stimulants (such as guarana).  The caffeine introduced into the body artificially increases heart rate before activity.  Once the athlete begins exercise, the HR continues to increase as a normal function of exercise.  This combination can result in some dangerous arrhythmia's due to the increased stress on the cardiac tissue. Caffeine is also a well known diuretic.  It increases urine volume.  This can lead to faster dehydration and heat illness during exercise.

Furthermore, the other substance commonly found in this drink is taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid that the body uses during exercise.  Dietary intake is usually sufficient to supply what the body needs in order to function.  However, because of some perceived benefits from taurine during exercise, it didn't take long for enterprising individuals to create a way of synthesizing it and adding it to other products in large doses to products.  The theory was once again, "If a little helps me, a lot should help me more."  Currently, research is looking into how taurine helps in the development of the central nervous system and its effects in large doses.  There is some controversy as to whether it works as a stimulant or a depressant. "In a recent article from MedicalNewsToday.com, researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York say they were “surprised” to find taurine “extraordinarily active” on brain receptors. Even though taurine is known to be a key amino acid, the researchers say they’re curious and puzzled still about the function of taurine in the brain, and have more questions than answers."

I realize I may be pushing limits of tolerance with everything that has changed with respect to TBIs and some upcoming issues on heat illnesses, but I will be pushing to get these drinks banned from the school because of their use before competition in athletics.  I also understand that I have my work cut out for me since the marketing of these drinks has been so heavy towards sporting events, especially the "extreme sports."  The marketing has allowed people to believe that these drinks are actually meant for people who exercise, and therefore; are completely safe.

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