Energy drinks contain about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of homemade filter coffee. The tolerability of caffeine varies from person to person. For this reason, the consumption of caffeine and, therefore, energy drinks, must be adapted to personal consumption of coffee. The caffeine content of energy drinks is indicated on the label so that consumers get clear information.
Can a pregnant or lactating woman consume energy drinks?
Doctors normally advise pregnant or lactating women to cut down on their caffeine intake. Many experts around the world have looked at the effects of caffeine (Nawrot et al., 2003). Scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an independent authority responsible for assessing risks related to food and feed safety in the European Union, conducted a comprehensive investigation of the scientific literature on caffeine in 2014. In their report they concluded that the general population of healthy adults is not exposed to any health risks from caffeine if daily consumption is limited to 400 mg. This has recently been confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA, 2015). However, EFSA recommends that pregnant or lactating women limit their daily caffeine intake to 300 mg.
The rules on the labeling of beverages containing caffeine are unified in the EU (EU regulation 1169/2011 on food information to the consumer). In drinks with a caffeine content greater than 150 mg / L, this content must be indicated and an indication must be added (“High caffeine content. Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women”), also specifying the content of caffeine expressed in mg per 100 ml on the label.
Typical energy drinks contain 32 mg per 100 ml of caffeine and indicate this on the label so that EU consumers are well-informed.
Next