Prime Energy Drink: Why It's Not Suitable for Children and Pregnant Women

Prime Energy Drink is marketed as a drink that provides energy to boost performance, but it may not be suitable for everyone. The drink contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per can, which is equivalent to about two to three instant coffees. Despite its name, Prime Energy Drink contains only about 40 kilojoules from carbohydrates, which is one of our body’s key sources of energy. The “energy” in Prime Energy Drink refers to the caffeine, which makes you feel more alert and lessens the perceived effort involved in any work you do.

However, caffeine can be problematic for children and pregnant or lactating women. Health guidelines recommend limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to below 200mg a day. Theoretically, this drink alone, with 200mg of caffeine per can, should be fine. But practically, diets include many other sources of caffeine including coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks. Consumption of these alongside the energy drink would increase the intake for pregnant women above this safety threshold.

Caffeine can cross the placenta into the growing fetus’s bloodstream. Fetuses can’t break down the caffeine, so it remains in their circulation. As the pregnancy proceeds, the mother becomes slower at clearing caffeine from her metabolism. This potentially exposes the fetus to caffeine for longer. Studies have shown a high intake of caffeine is associated with growth restriction, reduced birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth. Some experts argue there is no safe limit of caffeine intake during pregnancy. With breastfeeding, caffeine passes into the breast milk. It remains in the baby’s circulation, as they’re unable to metabolize it. Evidence shows that caffeine may make babies more colicky, irritable and less likely to sleep.

Children also have a limited ability to break down caffeine. Combined with their lighter body mass, a caffeine-based drink will have a more pronounced effect. As such, safe caffeine levels are determined on a weight basis: 3mg per kg of body weight per day. Studies have shown higher intakes increase the risk of heart problems, such as heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath and fainting. This may reflect underlying heart rhythm problems, which have in some case ended up with children and teenagers presenting to hospital emergency departments.

In summary, while Prime Energy Drink may provide a quick boost of caffeine to enhance performance, it is not suitable for children and pregnant or lactating women due to its high caffeine content. These groups should avoid caffeine intake in general, and choose alternative sources of energy such as healthy food and exercise. It is always advisable to seek medical advice before consuming any energy drinks, particularly during pregnancy or when under 18.

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