Alcohol and Nutrition (cont.)
Are the drinks with caffeine and alcohol safe?
Alcoholic energy drinks are a popular drink among younger drinkers. The trend began when energy drinks were mixed with alcohol. The reason for the popularity is that
caffeine reduces the sedative effect of alcohol. This prevents people from getting tired and makes it easier to drink for longer periods of time. The sedative effect of alcohol can be beneficial when it helps someone cut back on how much they are drinking. There is also evidence that by combining caffeine with alcohol there is an increase in dopamine levels, which makes it even more enjoyable and more addicting.
The combination of caffeine and alcohol can be lethal because the caffeine can cause people to feel more sober than they are. A study done on 26 young people consuming an energy drink and vodka showed that they reported feeling less headache, dry mouth, and impairment after this drink than they did after drinking alcohol alone. One study done on the effect that this combination has on automobile driving showed that caffeine may increase alertness and improve reaction time after alcohol use but will not completely counteract alcohol impairment in a driver. In November 2010, the FDA issued
warning letters to four makers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages. In the letter, they stated that "the FDA does not find support for the claim that the addition of caffeine to these alcoholic beverages is 'generally recognized as safe,' which is the legal standard .To the contrary, there is evidence that the combinations of caffeine and alcohol in these products pose a public health concern." This letter did get products removed from the shelves, but it did not stop the combining of caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
How much can you safely consume?
Alcohol is clearly not essential in our diet
and can end up causing considerable problems. Here are some dietary guidelines for alcohol
consumption:
- Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so
sensibly and in moderation -- defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day
for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Alcoholic beverages should
not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their
alcohol intake, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that
can interact with alcohol, those with specific medical conditions, women of
childbearing age who may become pregnant, those who are pregnant, and
lactating
women.
- Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that
require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating
machinery.
The reason that people consume alcohol is clear, but the cost of this
consumption is not. Alcohol is toxic to our bodies, and the cost can be
irreversible when intake exceeds recommended levels. The damage is not limited
to alcoholics, so everyone who consumes alcohol needs to pay attention to how
much they are drinking, what they are drinking, and when they are doing so.
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Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2011
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