Thoughts on the Proposed Energy Drink Ban?

Hey Chainlinkers, I know this isn't related to biking but I am working on an article about this and I would love to hear what you guys think. Please comment below. I'm working on deadline so the sooner the better. Thanks!

Here's some background:

Articles: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/01/22/170002123/energy-drinks...

http://wgntv.com/2013/01/18/ban-on-energy-drink-proposed-by-alderman/

Video: http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2013/01/22/burke-proposes-energy-dri...

Tags: drinks, energy, health, opinion

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Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on February 6, 2013 at 3:28pm

Whats in it for me?

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Permalink Reply by Chi Lowe 12.5+ mi on February 6, 2013 at 3:31pm

Sounds like a load of (Red) Bull to me.

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Permalink Reply by April 5.3 mi on February 6, 2013 at 3:46pm

Zoetrope, if you say something interesting, poignant or otherwise contribute to the conversation, I'll quote you in the article.

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Permalink Reply by John Durham on February 6, 2013 at 5:07pm

My impression is that this is basically self-promotion for the Alderman. I haven't seen any studies that definitively show that they lead to health problems. In all of the cases cited (that I'm aware of) where someone has reported to an ER with issues it has been shown that the person consumed what would be considered an excessive amount. Like all intoxicants or stimulants, moderation is important.

I have had personal involvement with the case of a young person who, for the lack of a better term, "flipped out" during an academic field trip. Became aggressive and quite irrational. Initially thought to be the symptoms of some underlying disorder, it was revealed that this individual had consumed, in the span of about an hour, nearly 20 shots of espresso in various coffee drinks. Is coffee bad? I don't think so, but again, moderation is key. Knowing your limits.

Energy drinks are relatively new, and they are an easy target for someone looking for a cause that they can promote in the name of "protecting our youth"; but I think the main reason is to put Alderman Burke's name in the news.

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Permalink Reply by April 5.3 mi on February 6, 2013 at 5:33pm

Thanks so much John! What neighborhood are you from so I can say "John Durham from ______, says" Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by John Durham on February 6, 2013 at 5:39pm

Humboldt / Logan Square. I'm right on the border.

April 5.3 mi said:

Thanks so much John! What neighborhood are you from so I can say "John Durham from ______, says" Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by April 5.3 mi on February 6, 2013 at 5:50pm

Can we go with just Logan Square in the interest of word space?

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Permalink Reply by grayn8 (5.3 - 36) on February 6, 2013 at 6:30pm

It's kind of funny to think of a ban based on these beverages over caffeine mcg. Part of the major health concerns is the growing levels of juvenile obesity and subsequent earlier onsets of diabetes (2). The problems there are not caffeine, but high sugar levels coupled with more sedimentary lifestyles - feels like a shell game crossed with a band aid.