Caffeine content of energy shots significantly higher than coffee

Caffeine maximum required for energy shots
The Baden-Württemberg consumer minister Alexander Bonde demands a caffeine maximum level for energy shots. The background is a long-term study by the Chemical and Veterinary Examination Office (CVUA) Karlsruhe, which documents the high content of caffeine in the drinks. Especially with adolescents, the energy shots are therefore very popular.

Energy shots are very popular with young people
"In addition to traditional caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee and tea, children and young adults in particular prefer caffeinated soft drinks such as coke, energy drinks and energy shots. The rapidly growing popularity of these caffeine-containing soft drinks and the associated changes in drinking habits have led to a considerable intake of caffeine in this consumer group in recent years, "says the study by the CVUA. Accordingly, energy shots contain significantly more caffeine than, for example, cola, coffee or tea.

The investigation office analyzed the caffeine content of various drinks from 2010 to 2014. The result: Energy drinks contained an average of 287 milligrams of caffeine per liter, energy shots even an average of 1,421 milligrams of caffeine per liter. For comparison, cola has on average only 100 milligrams of caffeine per liter.

Image: Gina Sanders / fotolia)

Child protection requires caffeine maximum levels for energy shots
"Only the caffeine content in energy shots clearly exceeds all other beverages, which is why over-consumption or regular consumption of these special caffeine-containing beverages makes it extremely easy to absorb too much caffeine. A possible legal regulation of this product group should also be discussed against the background of the current risk assessment of the European Food Safety Authority EFSA ", advises the CVUA.

The consumer minister also sees urgent need for action. "One sip of Energy Shot contains two and a half times as much caffeine as a whole can of Coke. Teenagers can absorb more caffeine than they can with a few energy shots. To protect the health of children and adolescents, maximum caffeine levels are urgently needed for energy shots. I appeal to the Federal Government to set sensible maximum limits for energy shots in order to strengthen the protection of minors, "said Bonde on Thursday in Stuttgart. (Ag)