Energy Drinks have become the latest craze among our young people. Unfortunately most people do not know the hidden dangers that lay within the cans from which they drink. Despite what the manufacturers say, their target audience is getting progressively younger and younger.

One study showed frequent energy drink consumers (consumption on 6 or more days per month) were three times as likely to have smoked cigarettes, abused prescription drugs, been in a physical fight. It was also shown they consumed alcohol more frequently, had alcohol-related problems, and used marijuana twice as frequently as non consumers. They were also more likely to engage in other forms of risk-taking, including unsafe sex, not using a seatbelt, participating in an extreme sport and doing something dangerous on a dare.

Energy drinks range in the amount of caffeine, but typically have much more then coffee or sodas. The caffeine content of energy drinks varies from 50 milligrams to more than 500 milligrams per serving. A regular 12-ounce can of cola has about 35 milligrams, and a 6-ounce cup of brewed coffee has approximately 80 milligrams.

The main health risk associated with consuming these quantities of caffeine is the effect it has on heart rate and blood pressure. With large doses of caffeine, the heart rate can become so accelerated that it may lead to an irregular or quickened heart beat. This can last long after the initial effects of the drink. For people with heart conditions, this can be very dangerous. There have been several reported cases of people dying after drinking energy drinks and exercising heavily. There are effects on the body with consuming these high levels of caffeine. Some of these are, but are not limited to: elevated heart rate, problems concentrating, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset and tremors.

Energy drinks are NOT the same as sports drinks. Consuming energy drinks prior to physical activity can lead to serious dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic, it causes the body to lose water. Consuming these energy drinks can cause serious dehydration. Caffeine and sugar may provide an energy boost to help perform a task, but they do not provide the necessary hydration. As a result, people drinking energy drinks will feel fine for a while without realizing they are becoming dehydrated. Even worse, they may sweat more burning off all the extra energy. Once the drink wears off, the effects of dehydration can be felt acutely. In extreme cases, dehydration can be fatal. Dehydration also negatively effects the body: fatigue, concentrated urine, constipation and/or bloating, dizziness/vertigo/lightheadedness, muscle cramping, headache, drowsiness, fainting, weak irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion, seizures, coma, death.

Parents beware. If you have a teen in your home, or a soon to be teen, youve likely seen the names Redbull, Hype, Monster, Hype, or Rockstar, to name a few, in the hand of a young person you care about. These beverages are too easily available. When consumed in the large quantities many people, youth and adult, consume these drinks there are serious potential problems. These drinks need to be regulated, and should not be available to minors to purchase off the shelves of our grocery stores or from a vending machine.

Minster Leona Aglukkaq, we, the undersigned are taking a stand and asking you step in, restrict the sales of these drinks, for the benefit of our young people, the future of our country.