Energy Drinks are still a no-no in BC schools and school-related events.
Population Health Dietician with Northern Health, Lise Luppens says anyone looking for a more proper alternative can visit a helpful on-line resource.
“We have a great resource in BC called the Brand Name Food List and people can go on-line and search that and see which food and beverages fall in to a do not sell category or a sell sometimes or sell most category.”
Extreme sports such as motocross and NASCAR receive millions of dollars in sponsorship money from energy drink companies like Monster each and very year.
Kids as young as 10 years old are often targeted and end up endorsing these products on their uniforms.
Luppens adds when it comes to situations like these it’s easy for youth to believe the products are good for them.
“Energy drinks linked with all sorts of extreme sports which in themselves is interesting and then the combination with the energy drinks with it and the flashy containers and the advertising might lead people to think this is an appropriate drink for kids.”
Health Canada requires manufacturers to include a number of cautionary statements including “Not recommended for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and those sensitive to caffeine.”