UK Government advisor calls to ban all energy drinks from schools - "‘Energy drinks are effectively - Polidicks

[QUOTE=dgg;43609045]Drink the energy drink slower then? The choice of downing or slowly drinking coffee and energy drinks is up to each individual. It's surely easier to drink a cold energy drink faster than a hot coffee, but it's still a choice.[/QUOTE] nobody takes 20 minutes to finish a 150ml can of energy drink...

[QUOTE=dgg;43609045]Drink the energy drink slower then? The choice of downing or slowly drinking coffee and energy drinks is up to each individual. It's surely easier to drink a cold energy drink faster than a hot coffee, but it's still a choice.[/QUOTE] There seems to be this misconception in the thread wherein the speed of drinking effects the negative effects of the caffeine. The damaging effects of caffeine are those that occur in the developmental stages for children, and while the short term effects may pose a problem with altered behavior and concentration, (with physical symptoms like heart rate and sensitivity being shown as well) these aren't the effects that caffeine really shows its potential harm through. The developmental problems, and damage to the liver and kidneys, occur at the same rate regardless of the speed of the drinking (the difference is trivial unless you're talking about drinking a 237ml cup in 5 minutes vs. a 237ml cup over a course of 5 hours, but this is so uncommon it's not worth mentioning) As long as the same amount of caffeine is ingested, the difference in speed is negligible when you're talking about concentrations as high as that found in the Monster or Red Bull energy drinks.

I had monster once and it was the grossest thing ever, why do people like that stuff?

Why are people viewing energy drink as some kind of vile untameable beast? Isn't it just caffeine and sugar, aka the same thing that's in coffee, one of the most consumed beverages around the world.

[QUOTE=Daniel Smith;43609153]I had monster once and it was the grossest thing ever, why do people like that stuff?[/QUOTE] Some people like the taste, others need the energy, but a good deal of the time, there's this mentality and subculture in children where they "need" the extra boost of energy. It's a kind of status symbol in some ways; it's no surprise that Monster's marketing department has done a great job appealing to preteens who want to look extreme. hell i think there is a skin pack in gmod that (unironically) pastes monster energy logos over all of the weapons or something

[QUOTE=Used Car Salesman;43607743]I'm fine with schools not selling energy drinks, or soft drinks for that matter. They shouldn't be confiscating drinks brought from home or anything like that, but I definitely don't think schools should be supplying students with stuff that is so blatantly unhealthy.[/QUOTE] If they stop selling them in the school, everyone will flock out of school to buy them. It's either ban them completely in school, or just continue selling them

I love the taste. But I don't feel I need any specific energy boost, there was a period when I needed it, but I just took pills.

[QUOTE=Swebonny;43609191]Why are people viewing energy drink as some kind of vile untameable beast? Isn't it just caffeine and sugar, aka the same thing that's in coffee, one of the most consumed beverages around the world.[/QUOTE] As I said, children shouldn't consume either. "Just caffeine" is also a bit silly, considering caffeine can be just as damaging and addictive as any other stimulant. Once you're a functional, developed adult, feel free to drink as much of the stuff as you want.

[QUOTE=Loriborn;43609262]As I said, children shouldn't consume either. "Just caffeine" is also a bit silly, considering caffeine can be just as damaging and addictive as any other stimulant. Once you're a functional, developed adult, feel free to drink as much of the stuff as you want; neither a 12 year old, nor a 16 year old, is going to benefit from drinking the stuff,. .[/QUOTE] Yeah I understand caffeine is addictive, but this thread gives the impression that energy drinks are especially bad. ..which they maybe are after all given that they're so easily accessible to children and reminds a lot of normal soft drinks.

[QUOTE=Swebonny;43609312]..which they maybe are after all given that they're so easily accessible to children and reminds a lot of normal soft drinks.[/QUOTE] That's another thing I failed to mention which I'm glad you brought up; they're labelled almost as if they are no different than a can of cola, so kids get this impression that they can drink them in the same manner. It's not really the same perception kids have of coffee, which is very bitter, prepared totally differently, and not sold and distributed in the same manner. The vitamin additives which are included in energy drinks (and not in coffee) are also just as damaging as the sugar and caffeine, mostly because of the sheer damage 400% daily intake of riboflavin does to your kidneys and liver in a single sitting.

[QUOTE=ChestyMcGee;43608490]probably because it's the biggest scam ever take a bottle to school/college/whatever and fill it up at the taps. i dunno what tap water is like where you live but in the north of england it's beautiful. tbh i find a good glass of cold water wakes me up and keeps me going better than coffee. hydration is really important and it has no comedown[/QUOTE] Sadly in some places, the tap water is disgusting, and occasionally unhealthy, even. I live in Putnam County, which is southern New York, and my tap water taste dreadful, by itself. It's fine for tea, or whatever, but if I was in school, that water was for when I had no options. Terrible.

The only energy drink I like the taste of is Red Bull. Drink it once in a while when I need some boost, no more than like once a week. Sometimes mixed with booze, tastes great. I think it hardly does anything bad at all in those small amounts.

[QUOTE=Aurastorm;43607614]energy drinks taste shit and are terrible for your health anyone who disagrees is objectively wrong[/QUOTE] I swear these are the only posts that ever get made in energy drink related threads. No opinions allowed, and I guess you guys are so pompously insufferable that you even want to ban them just because you dislike them yourself.

[QUOTE=Aurastorm;43607614]energy drinks taste shit and are terrible for your health anyone who disagrees is objectively wrong[/QUOTE] They're terrible for your health, but I really like the taste

[QUOTE=Advancedrock;43609478]I swear these are the only posts that ever get made in energy drink related threads. No opinions allowed, and I guess you guys are so pompously insufferable that you even want to ban them just because you dislike them yourself.[/QUOTE] There has been discussion as to why some people want them banned in schools, but the only counter arguments seem to be defending energy drink use in adults. You're the only one blindly attacking anyone or their opinion. (barring that single post you quoted) These are kids, and this is instances of debating whether a school should be allowed to sell to children; (or if they should be allowed to have them at school period) if you want to post an opinion, feel free, because I'm interested in how you can defend 14 year olds downing 200+mg of caffeine that they bought (without adult supervision or consent) from or to the school. You don't seem a fan of proper evidence though; which I provided.

[QUOTE=Loriborn;43608085]Caffeine pills are considered drugs, and these drinks can contain the same amount, if not more, than a extra-strength caffeine pill. The 710ml Monster can, which people down like water, contains over 237mg of caffeine, which is 37mg more than an extra strength caffeine pill.[/QUOTE] plus sugar and all the other shit they put in the drinks

[QUOTE=Loriborn;43609522]There has been discussion as to why some people want them banned in schools, but the only counter arguments seem to be defending energy drink use in adults. You're the only one blindly attacking anyone or their opinion. (barring that single post you quoted) These are kids, and this is instances of debating whether a school should be allowed to sell to children; (or if they should be allowed to have them at school period) if you want to post an opinion, feel free, because I'm interested in how you can defend 14 year olds downing 200+mg of caffeine that they bought (without adult supervision or consent) from or to the school. You don't seem a fan of proper evidence though; which I provided.[/QUOTE] What proof have you provided that caffeine would be bad? The link where it says: -Caffeine increases alertness and reduces fatigue -Caffeine improves performance on vigilance tasks and simple tasks that require sustained response -In contrast to the effects of caffeine consumption, withdrawal of caffeine has few effects on performance -Regular caffeine usage appears to be beneficial, with higher users having better mental functioning -Most people are very good at controlling their caffeine consumption to maximise the above positive effects Doesn't sound too bad to me

[QUOTE=DooHoop;43609722]What proof have you provided that caffeine would be bad? The link where it says: -Caffeine increases alertness and reduces fatigue -Caffeine improves performance on vigilance tasks and simple tasks that require sustained response -In contrast to the effects of caffeine consumption, withdrawal of caffeine has few effects on performance -Regular caffeine usage appears to be beneficial, with higher users having better mental functioning -Most people are very good at controlling their caffeine consumption to maximise the above positive effects Doesn't sound too bad to me[/QUOTE] These are effects in adults, not children. The negative effects are related to the over-consumption of caffeine, not the consumption of caffeine. Because children are smaller, they must ingest less before they reach caffeine's LD50. The short-term effects of acute caffeine ingestion are definitely real, though not necessarily life threatening unless the child reaches the overdose value based on their weight. There are also long-term affects such as damage to the heart, that can occur with over consumption, which children are extremely susceptible to. Related; the problem with energy drinks, the problem that makes them worse than coffee, is that they contain additives, (and sugar) which pose even greater risk to children. Niacin and Vitamin B6, for instance, have relatively reachable toxicity levels in children, though the greater damage occurs due to how much has to be filtered out of the blood.

[QUOTE=DooHoop;43609722]What proof have you provided that caffeine would be bad? The link where it says: -Caffeine increases alertness and reduces fatigue -Caffeine improves performance on vigilance tasks and simple tasks that require sustained response -In contrast to the effects of caffeine consumption, withdrawal of caffeine has few effects on performance -Regular caffeine usage appears to be beneficial, with higher users having better mental functioning [b]-Most people are very good at controlling their caffeine consumption to maximise the above positive effects[/b] Doesn't sound too bad to me[/QUOTE] [quote]You stand to increase your risk of heart disease. Caffeine can affect your heart, and not just in that fluttery way after having consumed too much. Studies indicate that caffeine can increase risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease, particularly in heavy consumers, according to a review article out of the University of Toronto. Overall, though, the research on the extent of heart effects remains inconclusive. You can stress yourself out. You don’t need more stress. Who does? But consuming caffeine can really frazzle your nerves. A Duke University Medical Center study showed that caffeine consumption amplified stress, exaggerated its effects physically and mentally, and elevated blood pressure and stress-hormone levels. The effects were seen even in habitual consumers, and lasted throughout the day. So that temporary boost might still be stressing you out at bedtime. You can end up feeling pretty lousy. Keep it to four or fewer cups of coffee a day, and you might actually feel better. The Mayo Clinic says that more than 500 mg to 600 mg of caffeine a day can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, stomach upset, elevated heartbeat and muscle tremors. If you want to balance college, that internship and your hot date Wednesday night, you need to feel your best. Make sure you’re not overdoing it, OK?[/quote] [URL="http://www.studentuniverse.com/student-blog/lifestyle/food/positives-and-negatives-of-caffeine"]sources are here[/URL] doesnt sound too bad to me

I have ADD. I'd rather stick with my caffeine addiction than be forced onto ritalin or dextroamphetamine again.

Every now and then I would just walk past a corner shop, pop in, and buy a red bull cus I like the taste. Tastes like liquified Gummi bears. And who doesnt like gummi bears?

As much as I do not like energy drinks, I would not go this far.

Our school doesn't sell regular soda, but instead sells strictly diet soda which is far worse I believe. I think it's ridiculous.

[QUOTE=Loriborn;43609854]These are effects in adults, not children. The negative effects are related to the over-consumption of caffeine, not the consumption of caffeine. Because children are smaller, they must ingest less before they reach caffeine's LD50. The short-term effects of acute caffeine ingestion are definitely real, though not necessarily life threatening unless the child reaches the overdose value based on their weight. There are also long-term affects such as damage to the heart, that can occur with over consumption, which children are extremely susceptible to. Related; the problem with energy drinks, the problem that makes them worse than coffee, is that they contain additives, (and sugar) which pose even greater risk to children. Niacin and Vitamin B6, for instance, have relatively reachable toxicity levels in children, though the greater damage occurs due to how much has to be filtered out of the blood.[/QUOTE] Your source does not say that there are negative long term effects for children nor adults and I have not been able to find any proof of that. Over-consumption is a different matter but that is something that you do not solve by banning caffeine rich drinks. Not that it's very easy to consume so much as to reach LD50, not even for Children. Everything is dangerous if you take too much of it.

[QUOTE=DooHoop;43610031]Over-consumption is a different matter but that is something that you do not solve by banning caffeine rich drinks.[/QUOTE] In a school setting it is. This isn't a debate on whether or not caffeine should be banned, rather, whether you can fight over-consumption in schools by preventing children from having it in or buying it from, schools.

[QUOTE=Swebonny;43609191]Why are people viewing energy drink as some kind of vile untameable beast?[/QUOTE] no one is doing that. we're saying [I][B]kids[/B][/I] probably shouldnt be having it on a regular basis and it shouldnt be in schools in the same way that coffee or anything else shouldn't be either and the reason energy drinks are, arguably, worse than coffee or similar is because they are marketed at children. coffee is an acquired taste that requires some restraint and moderation and a slow intake in most instances. red bull is not. coffee isn't branded on extreme sports and doesn't come in a cold can you can buy off the shelf and drink instantly either but i'm still not saying energy drinks are [i]bad[/i] - i have them occasionally when i really feel the need for it - but they shouldn't be consumed daily by school kids and therefore they shouldn't be sold in schools

[QUOTE=Loriborn;43610048]In a school setting it is. This isn't a debate on whether or not caffeine should be banned, rather, whether you can fight over-consumption in schools by preventing children from having it in or buying it from, schools.[/QUOTE] I'm arguing that it is a poor way of limiting the amount of caffeine teenagers consume. I say limiting because there is no reason to ban it. Here is a good link with a video on coffe and caffeine and why it is good: [url]http://www.cgpgrey.com/blog/coffee-the-greatest-addiction-ever.html[/url] [editline]20th January 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Aurastorm;43609856][URL="http://www.studentuniverse.com/student-blog/lifestyle/food/positives-and-negatives-of-caffeine"]sources are here[/URL] doesnt sound too bad to me[/QUOTE] Your own source states: A lower risk of coronary heart disease among moderate coffee drinkers might be due to antioxidants found in coffee. And other sources i've seen have mentioned 1000-1500 mg a day for adverse effects and of course you shouldn't over consume anything. Fact is that if you are a healthy person then caffeine is not going to be bad for you unless you take way too much of it and even then it's not long lasting damage

If energy drinks are banned then what if students start carrying flasks of hot coffee around in their bags?

[QUOTE=Aphtonites;43607637]i'm okay with this most of it tastes like piss, especially Monster Energy[/QUOTE] Monster Energy Ripper tastes so good but you can feel it ripping apart your insides as it trickles down. Smells like actual toxic waste too.

Vodka Red Bulls in general make me cringe because you're combining what is basically an upper with what is basically a downer. Your heart is gonna fucking explode if you keep up with shit like that.