VKI Warns About Energy Drinks of the Brand "Holy Energy"

The products offered in powder form contain as much caffeine per serving bag as two cans of "Red Bull", the experts reported on Thursday: "This means that a single serving alone exceeds the officially recommended, harmless single and daily dose for children and adolescents weighing less than 53 kilograms."

According to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), too much caffeine can cause shortness of breath, muscle tremors, severe nausea, and anxiety. In April, the VKI had generally warned against highly caffeinated energy drinks and sodas, which are particularly popular among teenagers. The packaging design of the Holy Energy drink is aimed at a young target group. However, warnings about caffeine for children and pregnant women "are only found on the back", says the VKI.

Recommendation Maximum Three Milligrams of Caffeine per Kilo of Body Weight

The powder packed in individual bags is to be brewed with half a liter of water each - each bag contains 160 milligrams of caffeine. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a single dose and the daily intake of a maximum of three milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight is harmless for children and adolescents.

"Just one serving of 'Holy Energy' alone exceeds the harmless single dose of caffeine for children and adolescents who weigh less than 53 kilos. This corresponds to the average weight of 13-year-olds", warn the consumer protectors. The harmless single dose for adults is also estimated at about three milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Nutrition Scientist: "Comparison is Misleading"

The sale of caffeinated drinks to children and adolescents is allowed in Austria - unlike in Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia. Manufacturer Holy recommends the drink from the age of 16 and passes the responsibility on to the trade. Spar, for example, argues that 250 milliliters of "Holy Energy" contains as much caffeine (80 milligrams) as a can of "Red Bull" with 250 milliliters. "However, the comparison is misleading", criticized VKI nutrition scientist Teresa Bauer, "because one bag contains 160 milligrams of caffeine, which are taken in all at once when preparing such a portion".

(APA/Red)

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