title: Energy drinks: an emerging public health hazard for youth.
abstract: Energy drinks are emerging as a public health threat and are increasingly consumed by youth internationally. Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and novel ingredients, and are often marketed through youth-oriented media and venues. We review these practices and the current inconsistent state of labeling. We also examine international support for regulation of these products, including a survey showing that 85 per cent of United States parents agreed that regulations requiring caffeine content disclosure and warning labels on energy drinks are warranted. We then examine the regulatory structure for energy drinks in the United States, analyzing legal and self-regulatory strategies to protect consumers, especially youth, from these potentially dangerous products. Recommended government interventions include revised labeling requirements, addressing problematic ingredients, and enacting retail restrictions. We conclude by identifying areas for future research.
authors.affiliation: Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8369, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pomeranz
authors.forename: Christina R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Munsell
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D002110:Caffeine / Q000032:analysis; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D040541:Marketing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011356:Product Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011634:Public Health; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000032:analysis; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D013549:Sweetening Agents; D002110:Caffeine; D012964:Sodium