Bill Creates Energy Drink Guidelines for Youth Athletics

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As more and more research comes out about the potential dangers of youth consumption of energy drinks, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez hopes congress will take action to ensure youth participating in athletics consume these beverages safely and appropriately.

His bill, S.B. 2718, includes a call for government guidelines on the use of energy drinks in youth athletics. Section 6 of the bill calls on the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs in collaboration with Federal agencies to craft guidelines.

Citing the need to “promote youth athletic safety,” Menendez hopes the agencies will develop information about the ingredients used in energy drinks and potential side effects of energy drink consumption and recommend guidelines for the safe use of energy drinks by young people, including young athletes.

The bill was introduced in July 2014 and is has now been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Besides containing large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, energy drinks tend to contain large amounts of sugar, another reason parents and young athletes should think twice before using them to refuel.

Read more about the bill in the news.