Doctors call for energy drink debate

July 11, 2010

Doctors call for energy drink debate: AAP July 11, 2010 4:12PM.

Australian Medical Association vice-president Steve Hambleton today said there

were concerns that mixing highly caffeinated drinks with alcohol was leading to

pub violence and drink-driving.

" It may well be giving intoxicated people more confidence, we are worried about

them getting in a car and driving, " he said.

" And it may actually be leading to extra violence. "

Dr Hambleton said one energy drink could contain the caffeine equivalent of

three cups of coffee or cola.

Mixing that amount of stimulant with alcohol, a depressant, then has the

potential to become a dangerous cocktail.

Dr Hambleton said a national discussion involving health experts and led by

parliamentarians should address the issue.

" I think politicians should drive this, that's where the funding should come

from, " he said.

" We should have a national debate about whether (energy drinks) should be

available and in what quantities.

" People will make the right decisions, we've got to provide them with the right

information. "

Dr Hambleton didn't call for an immediate ban on the products, but suggested

their availability be restricted if it was agreed that they had a negative

impact on consumers.

" If we do find that it's leading to problems, I think we should re-think their

availability, " he said.

The NSW government has already raised concerns about energy drinks being

supplied to children.

ate/story-e6frf7kf-1225890414555

Recommended Posts