Energy drinks containing almost twice the maximum regulated level of caffeine have been found in Adelaide shops as South Australian students and parents are warned about the potential dangers of loading up on the drinks while cramming for end of year exams.
The most caffeinated energy drink SA Health officials found was labelled G Fuel Tetris Blast, and contained a whopping 300 milligrams of caffeine in each 473ml can.
This is nearly double the amount of caffeine allowed under national food standards of 320 milligrams of caffeine per litre.
It's also the equivalent of nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee.
Other energy drinks found that exceeded regulations included one labelled C4 Performance Energy and another called Ghost Energy Drink, both containing 200mg of caffeine per 473ml can.
SA Health officials are working to educate local retailers and have issued notices to businesses selling non-compliant energy drinks. Interstate health departments have also been notified.
Although there is no uniformly recognised safe level of caffeine consumption, teenagers are urged to limit their intake to reduce the health risks.
Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine has the potential to cause harm to teenagers, with the recommended maximum daily intake for teenagers being three milligrams per kilogram of body weight. People purchasing these drinks are encouraged to closely check the label to know how much caffeine they will be consuming.
The excessive consumption of caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety and depression as well as cardiovascular problems, heartburn, ulcers, seizures and in rare cases even death.
Caffeine is also found in other foods and beverages including tea, coffee, soft drinks and chocolate.
For healthy adults, a daily total of 400mg and a maximum of 200mg in a single serving, is generally considered safe, while people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not exceed 200mg a day.
As put by Chris Picton
We are taking action to stop the supply of these energy drinks which have been sourced from overseas and do not comply with Australian standards.
They are clearly marketed at teenagers, but the amount of caffeine in them can cause serious damage to our kids.
I encourage businesses to be vigilant and to check to see if the energy drinks they are selling are compliant to national food standards.
The overconsumption of caffeine at a young age could be harmful to both physical and mental health. It's important to make the right choices, so students have the best chance of acing their exams.
As put by Blair Boyer
Stimulants such as the caffeine found in energy drinks can damage students' health, as well as their chances of peak exam performance.
I know exams can be a stressful time, but it's important for students to look after themselves by eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
Our schools do a wonderful job of supporting students and helping them get the best out of Year 12, which includes expert advice on managing stress, and even having dedicated study lessons.
Exams are a vital part of Year 12, with study and preparation a big part of ensuring students are giving themselves the best chance for success – which is why it's so important that students engage in healthy study habits.
As put by Chris Lease, Executive Director, Health Protection and Regulation, SA Health
I encourage all energy drink stockists to check their shelves, as some energy drinks from overseas look very similar to energy drinks that meet the Australian standards, but can have levels of caffeine above what they are allowed to sell in Australia.
Where non-compliant products are found for sale, appropriate action will be taken. We are also in contact with our interstate counterparts to follow up with suppliers and national retail chains to make sure any products they offer for sale comply.
For students, building healthy mental wellbeing activities into your everyday means that you can be better prepared to deal with the stresses and strains that end of year exams and assignments bring, without the need to rely on energy drinks to keep you alert.
As put by Nicole Keller, Executive Director, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Wellbeing SA
Building healthy mental wellbeing activities into your everyday means that you can be better prepared to deal with the stresses and strains that end of year exams and assignments bring, without the need to rely on energy drinks to keep you alert.
If you notice you are becoming distracted, give yourself a break. Recognise the signs that it is time to rest and let your brain absorb what you have been learning.
As put by Woodville High School Principal Anna Mirasgentis
We work closely with our year 12 students to ensure they have the support and strategies in place to manage the last few weeks of their studies, including the exam period, in a safe and productive way.
There are many positive ways to deal with stress and time pressures throughout this time, but we do not recommend energy drinks as one of them.
Instead, we recommend students get a good night's sleep, have a study plan in place, have regular brain breaks, undertake regular exercise and that they reach out if they need additional support.
