Sally Plomely
sallyp@isb.ac.th
It has come to our attention that drinking “Energy Drinks” has been gaining popularity with students while at school.
“Energy Drinks” often aim to provide “energy” by delivering high amounts of caffeine. Examples of these energy drinks include Red Bull, G-Fuel, M-150 and Carabao. Many of these also have vitamins are are marketed as “safe” drinks. Recently, the G-Fuel has risen to popularity with boys, as it is marketed to video “Gamers.”
The effects of caffeine include increased alertness, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, headaches and the “jitters”. Caffeine is also a diuretic (which means it makes you produce more urine). This can increase the risk of dehydration (which is already high given the climate we live in). Caffeine may also cause heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) in some individuals. There is concern regarding the effects of caffeine on the teenage brain with regards importance of sleep, brain development, sensitivity and inexperience with caffeine and possible unknown medical conditions.
Students are using these Energy Drinks as a supplement to studying and many of the gaming websites are promoting them so they can “game” for longer. Teenagers require 8-10 hours of sleep per night to function properly. Lack of sleep can limit their ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems as well as emotional problems (such as depression) and skin problems (such as acne).
At ISB, as part of our healthy balanced lifestyle we discourage the use of Energy drinks. Coffee is available at the grind to adults and high school students only.
Below are the recommended intake of caffeine and the amount of caffeine in several popular drinks:
Recommended maximum daily intake of caffeine:
Age Intake
>18 years 300-400mg
13-18 years 100mg
4-12 years 45mg
<4 years 0mg
Amount of caffeine in a single serve of drinks:
Drink Caffeine
Brewed coffee (250 mL) 100-200 mg
Espresso coffee 50-75 mg
M-150 (250 mL) 80 mg
Red Bull (250 mL) 80 mg
Carabao (250 mL) 50 mg
G Fuel (1 sachet) 150 mg
G Fuel is of particular concern as the students mix up the sachet with water themselves and may easily take too much, as their reliance on the caffeine hit grows. It also comes in flavor that young people like such as “Fazeberry”, “Blue Ice”, and “Pink Lemonade” (there are 16 different flavours).
Please discuss with your child safe consumption of caffeine. Please also ensure that they should not accept drinks from their friends unless they know what they are and are sure they do not contain caffeine.
If your child does use “Energy Drinks” please make sure they do not bring these drinks onto campus, as we believe these to be unhealthy and detrimental for learning, in adolescents.
ISB is committed to your child’s overall development, both educationally and health related. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider or the ISB Health Clinic (nurse@isb.ac.th).