The rising popularity of Celsius - a caffeine-filled energy drink - among adolescents and athletes reveals some potential drawbacks to this popular beverage. The drink is widely adored by consumers for not only its wide variety of yummy flavors but also (according to the company’s website) its “better-for-you” ingredients that make it “healthier” than other energy drinks.
Celsius’ listed benefits are undoubtedly impressive. Advertised as the “ideal drink for anyone who wants to… live fit”, the company boasts the drink’s ability to “accelerate metabolism, burn body fat, and provide essential energy”, all without the use of artificial sweeteners and with the added bonus of vitamins. In addition, Celsius claims to not use any sugar or high fructose corn syrup, substances that can cause a sugar rush and steep drop in blood sugar shortly after consumption.
However, the drink also has its downsides: a can of Celsius contains a whopping 200 milligrams of caffeine, or twice the recommended daily caffeine intake for children. Due to its high caffeine content, the website discourages the consumption of Celsius for “individuals sensitive to caffeine and children under the age of 18”. Similarly, Shanon Whittingham, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, does not recommend Celsius for individuals with gut issues, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
Overall, due to the variability in side effects following the consumption of Celsius, individuals should weigh their personal benefits and drawbacks of Celsius and potentially speak to their physician when deciding whether to consume the drink or not. Those who wish to drink Celsius should monitor their condition after drinking it (Do you truly feel more energized? Are you experiencing GI discomfort? Does your chest hurt?) and decide whether the benefits of drinking outweigh the negatives in the context of your lifestyle and wellbeing. However, due to the beverage’s high caffeine content, adolescents who wish to drink it despite Celsius’ advisory to children under 18 should drink it in moderation (not every day) and limit the amount of other caffeinated products they consume in addition to Celsius. Likewise, due to the high caffeine content in energy drinks, athletes should ideally acquire the necessary energy for a workout through the consumption of whole foods such as bananas, oatmeal, sweet potato, fruit, and whole-grain bread instead of energy drinks. Refer to my previous blog post regarding convenient prefuel snacks for athletes!!
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