Lucie van den Berg
February 01, 2013
Herald Sun
ENERGY drink fans are bragging on social media about downing dangerous amounts of the caffeine, sugar and salt-fuelled drinks in new super-sized portions, prompting concerns from Victorian health groups.
Facebook fans gloat about consuming 12 bottles of energy drinks or an entire 1.2-litre container of V, released on the market last year, in a single sitting.
“I drank it all in five minutes and now I’ve got the shakes big time,” one social media user said.
They also brag about adding alcohol to the drinks to “enhance the effect”.
VicHealth alcohol expert Dr Bruce Bolam said just one of the new mega Vs had the caffeine equivalent of six mugs of instant coffee and 25 teaspoons of sugar, and the salt was the same as in a 200g pack of salted potato chips.
Heart Foundation Victoria acting CEO Kellie-Ann Jolly said the large portions offered no nutritional benefit.
“Sugary drinks are associated with increased energy, which, if not burnt off, can result in weight gain and obesity,” she said.
VicHealth nutritionist Julie Woods said although the cans contained warning labels, many people were still unaware of the dangers.
“That much caffeine can actually increase blood pressure and give people nasty side-effects like shakes, tremors, headaches, lack of concentration.”
A spokesman for Frucor Beverages, which makes V, said it bore a warning stating the recommended daily consumption was a maximum of two 250ml servings — below recommended daily caffeine intakes.
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