The leading producer of high-caffeine stimulant drinks has welcomed a Government-commissioned report that recommends the drinks should not be used in association with sport and exercise. The Minister of State for Health has also welcomed the report by the Food Safety Promotion Board.
The largest-selling brand of stimulant drink in Ireland is Red Bull and the company's country manager, Mr Filip Good, yesterday welcomed the findings. "Red Bull welcomes the broad thrust of this report and in particular that there is nothing in it to dissuade people from using Red Bull Energy Drink."
The report, details of which first appeared in The Irish Times on Tuesday, examined the health effects of stimulant drinks. The board makes a number of recommendations including additional warnings on product labels indicating they are unsuitable for pregnant women. It also says that people should be cautious when these drinks are used with alcohol.
The study reviewed research into health effects of stimulant drinks and their ingredients, looked at the promotion of these drinks in Ireland and examined current consumption levels. It says consumption by children "should be discouraged" and says "caution should be exercised" when these drinks are consumed with alcohol.
They should not be used "in association with sport and exercise as a thirst-quencher," the report states. These drinks "are unsuitable rehydration agents" for those involved in sport.
The Minister of State for Food Safety and Older People, Dr Tom Moffatt, yesterday welcomed the report, which he said would be forwarded to the European Commission.
