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Last modified: Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:43 PM CDT
Nutritionist encourages energy drink moderation
by Jennifer Johnson • Daily News
A Fargo nutritionist visiting Wahpeton on Oct. 28 aims to educate the public on the effects of energy drinks.
Kristen Liebl, licensed registered dietician at MeritCare, is offering a 45-minute program for parents and coaches at 6:30 p.m. at Hughes Shelter, Chahinkapa Park.
Discussion topics also include beverages with added sugar and artificial sweeteners.
A 2008 survey by the Journal of American College Health linked higher alcohol consumption among college students with increased energy drink consumption. Although the popular combination can lead to death - a 16-year-old Florida girl died last May after consuming the mix at a party - the consequences typically result in youth engaging in behavior they normally wouldn't. More instances of rape and other risky behavior, such as drunk driving, tend to occur, Liebl said.
"People have a hard time feeling the effects of alcohol right away if they mix," she said. "You think you're OK to drive, but you're really not."
The dangers have led to harsher regulations worldwide. In Norway, the sale of Redbull has been restricted to pharmaceutical companies. France and Denmark have prohibited Redbull sales altogether.
Caffeine in general should be consumed in moderation, said Liebl. A "safe amount" is considered to be 300 milligrams, or three cups of coffee. Energy drinks often offer twice that amount.
Information on energy drinks change every day, so Liebl suggests people get as educated as they can. While some drinks include herbal supplements as a healthy alternative, manufacturers don't always provide how much is actually in it, she said.
"I always like to recommend moderation," she said. "If you're drinking just...diet pops or artificial drinks, it seems like you're not drinking enough water or skipping out on drinking milk. "
Liebl, who often presents nutrition information around the region, is also doing a series of talks at Wahpeton High School and Breckenridge Senior High School. The talk is sponsored by Southern Valley Health Watch and the United Way of Richland-Wilkin.
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