Nutrition News
July/August 2008, Volume 2, Issue 4
Energy Drinks
Many people like to start their day with a morning “caffeine fix”. Traditionally
people relied on beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate or even cola soft
drinks for their caffeine fix, but now there are many energy drinks on the
market that offer the same effects. These drinks are meant to supply mental and
physical stimulation for a short period of time.
Energy drinks have gained popularity over the past few years. Many celebrities are often
photographed drinking them and they are marketed to provide an energy boost or a pick me up if
you’re lacking in energy. They are very popular among teens.
Energy drinks can be found in grocery stores and gas stations. They are usually displayed along side
soft drinks, juice and sport drinks. Energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks like
Gatorade® or Powerade®. Sport drinks re-hydrate the body; provide sugar for energy, and
electrolytes that maintain the body’s balance of salt and potassium.
Energy drinks usually contain caffeine, taurine (which is an amino acid), and glucuronolactone
(which is a carbohydrate). Taurine is known to aid in circulation. Glucuronolactone is known to affect moods and act as a diuretic. Currently there is no research on how these ingredients work together or what effect they have on the human body. Some countries, like Norway, France, and Denmark, have banned the use of energy drinks due to the lack of research.
ASK A DIETITIAN: If you have a question please email [email protected].
Q. I’ve heard that almonds are a healthy food to eat. Should I be trying to eat
more almonds?
R. It’s true, almonds are a healthy food as they contain several vitamins, protein, plant
sterols (which may be beneficial in reducing disease risk), and insoluble fibre.
However, almonds are also a powerful source of caloric energy (~160 Cal/oz) so when
adding them to your diet you should make sure that you also eliminate a less healthy
food. One ounce of almonds is equal to about 23 almonds and is a perfect serving size.
To picture 23 almonds think of a 3x3 sticky note—23 almonds will cover the top of a 3x3
sticky note. You can also add almonds to salads, stirfrys or baking.
Nutrition News / Page 2
(Energy Drinks—Continued from Page 1)
Because of the effects that some energy drinks may have, they have to be regulated as natural health
products under the Natural Health Product (NHP) Regulations, depending on their ingredients and the claims
they make. Currently only Red Bull Energy Drink® is authorized for sale as a natural health product and
bears a natural health product number (NPN). The safety of other energy drinks has not been evaluated.
Some people think that certain brands do not contain caffeine because they do not have the word caffeine on
the label. Instead these drinks contain guarana. Guarana has naturally occurring caffeine in it.
The amounts of caffeine in energy drinks vary. Even though most of the more popular versions of energy
drinks have less than 100 mg of caffeine per serving, some have as much as 500 mg for a 700 mL can.
That’s close to seven times the amount of caffeine found in an 8 oz cup of coffee!
Health Canada states that an average adult can consume a daily caffeine intake of 400 mg without adverse
affects. The data has shown that children may be at a greater risk from caffeine. Health Canada states that
children should have no more than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight/day. For an 80 lb (36 kg)
child/adolescent this would be 90 mg of caffeine/day
Caffeine stimulates the brain and body and makes you feel like you have more energy and are more awake.
The down side is that caffeine dehydrates your body and can make you feel restless, nervous and unable to
sleep. Pregnant women, children and teens should use these products with extreme caution.
Energy Drinks should never be mixed with alcohol.
For more information visit It’s your health—safe use of energy drinks at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyhvsv/prod/energy-energie-eng.php
1. Dim Sum, the Chinese version of the western
brunch, literally means:
A. Little jewels that tug at the heart.
B. The food that keeps coming around.
C. Here comes the next morsel.
2. Who was responsible for inventing the first
espresso machine?
A. Ernesto Faema.
B. Masto Chinotto
C. Achille Gaggia.
3. How much sodium is in one teaspoon of salt?
A. 1500 mg
B. 2300 mg
C. 3000 mg
D. 3500 mg
4. Before eating a live scorpion what must you do?
A. Crush it with a heavy knife to oxidize and
neutralize the poison
B. Cut off the tail stingers and poison sacs
C. Cut off the tail and mouth
5. Of the choices below, what food has the most
Vitamin C/100g?
A. Strawberry
B. Tomato
C. Orange
D. Grapefruit
Answer Key: 1: A, 2: C, 3: B, 4: B, 5:A.
Just for Fun—Summer Food Quiz:
Nutrition News is Prepared by the SHR Registered Dietitians.
©July 2008