A study by the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Other Addictions (ISPA) (in German) has shown that 7.8% of boys and 4.3% of girls consume an energy drink at least once a day. These drinks are very popular because advertisements are especially designed to appeal to children and young people, and the bitter taste of caffeine, which many don't like, is covered up by sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Consuming energy drinks is not entirely harmless in that the popular ones, as well as the cheap versions of retailers, contain large quantities of caffeine, sugar and acid. According the World Health Organisation, regular intake of these drinks can lead to nervousness, restlessness, shaking, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, high blood pressure and nausea. Furthermore, the high sugar content has a negative effect on the body's ability to regulate energy because the drinks have a lot of calories but fail to satisfy hunger, which can lead to overweight and obesity. But the high level of acids, too, has a harmful effect on the body, because saliva is unable to neutralise it, and it may thus damage the teeth.
SWICA supports insured persons with a COMPLETA PRAEVENTA or OPTIMA plan by providing nutritional analyses and advice from recognised advisors and dietary assistants and by offering courses on a conscious and healthful diet. We look forward to giving you no-obligation advice on our free helpline 0800 80 90 80.
23.09.2015