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'Health drinks' more hype than healthful
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Among the multiple displays of bottled protein, calcium and energy drinks are claims to create a slimmer, smarter, sexier and healthier consumer.
Bottled teas claim to help the immune system, new calcium drinks say they will help consumers drop a jean size in two weeks and another drink offers the promise that consumers will “party like a rock star.” Apparently, manufacturers believe that rock stars load up on caffeine to get their party started.
For drinks made up of mostly water, sugars, salt and derivatives, experts are somewhat suspicious that these miracle concoctions can fulfill their marketing claims.
According to Ingrid Lindberg, Extension educator at Pennington County Cooperative Extension Service, it’s important to read the label before taking any of those drinks to the checkout counter.
“It is buyer beware,” she said.
Researching the topic for a recent presentation, Lindberg found out that manufacturers may make claims about their product’s ability to increase muscle mass, fitness or slimming ability, but consumers should be aware that there are no regulations in place in which the bottled drinks are required to prove the effectiveness of any health claims.
“They’re not required to meet the same safety standards of a prescription drug,” she said.
Patty Cresalia, a licensed registered dietitian at Youth & Family Services, agreed.
Cresalia said the body’s energy sources come from carbohydrates, fat and protein, all nutrients not found in energy drinks.
“It won’t come from ginseng, taurine or vitamins,” she said. “These sorts of products defeat our goal of improving our health. You may be getting more sugars and derivatives than you want or need.”
And more empty calories, as well.
Lindberg found that energy drinks, protein drinks, fitness waters and caffeinated drinks appeal more to children, teenagers and college-age students. Sold at convenience stores as well as grocery markets, these bottled drinks fill the shelves with overwhelming varieties. Kids, students or young people fall into the habit of taking one of these “healthful” drinks from the refrigerated case or off the shelf after school or work. Along with the vast selection, is the sticker shock.
Caffeinated drinks such as Nos cost $3.39 per can at convenience stores. A Red Bull is $2.29 and a Fuze is $2.50. And this is just for one bottle or can, Lindberg said.
“My new habit is going to be expensive,” Lindberg said.
Cresalia said that not only will it be expensive, but highly caffeinated. Many popular energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, which poses a number of health risks including increased heart rate, changes in heart rhythm, dehydration, sleep problems and addiction. If consumers add alcohol to these, they could become a dangerous mix of a stimulant and depressant that masks impairment, leading consumers to drink even more alcohol.
Consumers often ignore the disclaimers and recommendations that children, pregnant women and people sensitive to caffeine not consume the product.
“People don’t need the extra calories. These aren’t true sport drinks. There is no scientific evidence to back up their claims that milk thistle extract can lead to better health. As for the cans that claim to ‘party like a rock star,’ this is not appropriate for children,” she said.
Through sophisticated packaging, many of these drinks promote the perception of thinness, energy and athleticism, giving consumers the allusion that they are contributing to their health and strength. Yet Lindberg could get her energy boost by eating an orange, and Cresalia would rather get her protein from eating a banana and a piece of chicken, all of which pack in fiber and other nutrients as well.
People do need water when exercising, but the majority of people would need to exercise at high-aerobic levels in heat, humidity and for long durations to need a sports drink, she said.
“Most people will get what they need from the nearest drinking fountain,” she said.
Better choices based on calories per serving, nutrients and cost would be a single serving of chocolate milk, which includes protein, calcium and fat for energy as well as vitamins, or a single 8-ounce glass of water for hydration.
“These manufacturers aren’t trying to do anything for your health, they’re trying to market their products,” Cresalia said.
“And that’s the bottom line,” she added.
Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.
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