Regulation of Energy Drinks and Caffeine in India Essay Example

populations, should also refrain from consuming excessive amounts of caffeine.

When determining the maximum acceptable level of caffeine consumption, it is crucial to consider all sources of caffeine in a standard diet. Recently, numerous energy drinks have been introduced as alternatives for providing an energy boost or serving as supplements. These drinks contain elevated levels of caffeine, as well as additional stimulant additives such as taurine, ginseng, and carnitine. Prominent brands within this category include Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, No Fear, Tab Energy, Wired, and Fixx.

Furthermore, the promotion of many of these beverages in bars or for mixing with alcohol may further amplify the potential health hazards for consumers. An investigation carried out by the Cardiovascular Research Centre at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia in August 2008 determined that energy drinks may heighten the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks. The study revealed that consuming just a single can of the caffeinated Red Bull energy drink could lead to sticky blood, thus escalating the chances of clot formation.

A group of 100 scientists and physicians, led by a neuroscientist from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, are urging the FDA to enhance regulations for energy drinks. They are concerned about the potential risks associated with consuming excessive amounts of caffeine in these beverages, which can result in caffeine poisoning and alcohol-related harm. The group stresses the necessity of warnings and limitations due to inconsistent levels of caffeine and alcohol across various energy drink brands. For example, certain non-alcoholic energy drinks have different quantities of caffeine, ranging from 75mg to 150mg per can.

Energy drinks can vary in caffeine content, ranging from 300mg to 500mg per can. Excessive consumption

of caffeine can lead to symptoms such as increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, tremors and in rare cases even death. The risk is higher when multiple energy drinks are consumed in a short period.

Non-alcoholic energy drinks are often mixed with alcohol which makes it difficult to measure intoxication levels and increases the chances of auto accidents and other alcohol-related injuries.

Caffeine is a legal psychoactive substance that stimulates the central nervous system. It has diuretic properties and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Guarana - an essential ingredient in energy drinks - contains significant amounts of caffeine along with small amounts of theobromine and theophylline which are slowly released into the body.

Once it reaches the brain, caffeine acts as a non-selective antagonist for adenosine receptors by competitively inhibiting their effects. This results in a reduction of resting cerebral blood flow by approximately 22% to 30%. Additionally , caffeine generally enhances neural activity disinhibitory impact on neural activity . Moreover , its metabolites also contribute to its effects.

The U.S FDA considers caffeine safe for consumption.

Paraxanthine, Theobromine, and Theophylline are compounds found in caffeine. Paraxanthine stimulates lipolysis, releasing glycerol and fatty acids into the bloodstream for muscle fuel. Theobromine acts as a vasodilator, increasing oxygen and nutrient flow to the brain and muscles. Theophylline has a calming effect on smooth muscles, specifically bronchioles, while also improving heart rate and efficiency. Although caffeine cannot substitute sleep, it does offer temporary relief from daytime weariness.

Excessive caffeine consumption can result in caffeinism, a condition characterized by dependency on caffeine and various physical and mental problems. These problems include nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching, insomnia, headaches, respiratory alkalosis, and

heart palpitations. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders acknowledges four caffeine-induced psychiatric disorders: caffeine intoxication, caffeine-induced anxiety disorder, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and unspecified caffeine-related disorder. According to a study conducted in 2008, pregnant women who consume 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day are twice as likely to experience miscarriage compared to those who consume no caffeine. It is advised that children avoid energy drinks due to their high levels of caffeine because even a small amount can cause agitation, irritability, tension and restlessness. Pregnant women should also refrain from consuming beverages with high amounts of caffeine such as coffee and energy drinks.

The UK Food Standards Agency has cautioned pregnant women about excessive caffeine intake. To protect consumers from potential harm, the European Commission has introduced guidelines on labeling caffeine and quinine in food and beverages. These regulations stipulate that drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter must be labeled as "High Caffeine Content" alongside their product name.

The National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad conducted a risk assessment for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to evaluate the safety of certain ingredients, like caffeine, taurine, and D-glucurono-y-lactone, found in energy drinks. This assessment also took into account surveys on estimated exposure to these ingredients as well as daily caffeine intake from various sources - both natural and added. However, it is noteworthy that this assessment does not include beverages made from tea or coffee if their names clearly indicate their composition.

The following text provides a summary of the findings. (a) Caffeine, also known as 1, 3, 7 – trimethylxanthine, is a naturally occurring alkaloid substance found

in leaves, seeds, and fruits of over 63 plant species worldwide. Common sources of caffeine include the kola nut (Cola acuminate), cacao bean (Theobroma cacao), yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), and guarana berries (Paullinia cupana). However, roasted coffee beans (Coffea Arabica and Coffea robusta) and tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) are the main sources of dietary caffeine. (b) Taurine and D-glucurono-y-lactone do not contribute to daily intake.

The amount of caffeine in the Indian diet is not significant compared to other sources. Approximately 80% of people worldwide consume caffeinated products daily, such as coffee, soft drinks, and tea. It's important to note that synthetic and naturally sourced caffeine have no chemical difference. Regulatory scientific committees at the national level have evaluated the safety of caffeine intake based on consumption levels within their populations. Daily caffeine intake varies greatly globally, ranging from 210-238 mg per day in the US and Canada to over 400 mg per day in Nordic countries.

In terms of India's caffeine consumption, each individual consumes an estimated 0.1 kg of coffee for its caffeine content. When comparing coffee-related caffeine intake between India and the US, the ratio is 42:100. However, despite tea being more popular than coffee in India and the UK, it is not expected to significantly impact overall caffeine intake.

Furthermore, tea consumption in India greatly exceeds coffee consumption, particularly in southern states where milk accounts for 14% while coffee only accounts for 13%.

In terms of caffeine content, tea has more caffeine than coffee. However, a smaller amount of tea is required to make a cup. A standard 250ml cup of coffee typically contains 80-150 mg of caffeine, while tea contains about 60 mg. The

80mg measurement for coffee is based on a large 250ml serving size, which is not common in Indian coffee consumption where servings range from 100-150 ml. To accurately estimate caffeine intake, it's better to consider the weight of coffee powder used per cup rather than the volume consumed. According to the USDA, one rounded teaspoon of instant coffee contains around 57 mg of caffeine, so approximately 60 mg can be expected per cup. Cafe bars and high-end retail outlets may serve larger portions at approximately 250ml, but these are only frequented by a small portion of the population and are more for special occasions rather than daily practices. Caffeine-containing beverages also contribute to overall caffeine intake with their content ranging from 12-20 mg per 250ml serving; however, consuming caffeine from cola drinks does not significantly impact daily intake.

The primary source of caffeine in the Indian diet is tea or coffee. Compared to the UK and the US, carbonated drink consumption in India is significantly lower, estimated to be 28 times lower than the UK and 59 times lower than the US. However, carbonated beverages do not contribute significantly to daily caffeine intake. The risk assessment concludes that current caffeine consumption levels are likely to be within the low range (80-250 mg per day) or even lower, and there is no cause for concern regarding safety in the near future.

It should be noted that coffee consumption in India amounts to approximately 0.1-0.2 kg per capita, resulting in an estimated caffeine intake of 10-20 mg per day. Additionally, three servings of tea bags contribute about 71 mg of caffeine per day. These levels are much lower compared

to global caffeine intakes.

On the other hand, energy drinks are non-alcoholic carbonated beverages that claim to enhance energy and alertness through the use of caffeine or taurine, along with other ingredients promoting an energy boost.

To ensure effective product functionality, it is important to use ingredients that serve their purpose and are capable of doing so. This applies especially to energy drinks, which rely on specific ingredients for performance enhancement and alertness. One possible approach for ensuring safety standards is to establish compositional standards. The Australia New Zealand Food Authority also follows this approach.

In the European Union, there is no maximum limit set for caffeine content. However, labeling is required when the caffeine content exceeds 150mg per kg, with the phrase "High Caffeine Content" (Xmg/100 ml). Coffee and tea are exempt from these requirements. In Canada, cola-type beverages can contain up to 200mg of caffeine per liter. The Canadian Health Authority has approved beverages with 320mg of caffeine per liter as natural health products, mandating the inclusion of their contents and nutritional information on the label. While the US FDA regulates caffeine content in soft drinks, it does not regulate caffeine levels in energy drinks.

In the United States, caffeine is considered safe according to the Code of Federal Regulations. However, in India, there are no regulations for energy drinks under the PFA Act of 1954. The PFA Rules of 1955 do establish a maximum limit of 200ppm for caffeine in carbonated water, but this was later reduced to a maximum level of 145ppm based on recommendations by the Central Committee on Food Standards and notified through GSR 431(E) on June 19, 2009. To address this issue,

the Food Safety and Standards Authority has formed an expert group.

The purpose of this group is to evaluate the scientific literature and global perspective on caffeine consumption and non-carbonated beverages, including their labeling. They are also tasked with recommending the maximum allowable caffeine content in energy drinks and non-carbonated beverages as per Food Regulations. Additionally, they will assess the need for guidelines regarding energy drinks based on risk assessment. It should be acknowledged that the expert group acknowledges that caffeine is not classified as an additive but rather a chemical with addictive properties.

Caffeine is commonly used as a flavoring agent in various products, usually at levels below 200 ppm. However, if the caffeine level surpasses this threshold, it becomes a functional ingredient. It is important to investigate the functionality of caffeine at a concentration of 320 ppm and provide justification for establishing a cutoff limit at this level.

Energy drinks are beverages that have been fortified with vitamins; however, they should not be promoted for consumption. The term "energy drinks" can be misleading because it suggests that these beverages are intended for boosting energy. The labels on energy drinks should indicate whether they are suitable for vegetarians or non-vegetarians based on the origin of their ingredients.

To improve regulation, standards need to be set for both carbonated and non-carbonated energy drinks. These types of beverages may also be referred to as "caffeinated drinks." To ensure responsible consumption, it is crucial to limit daily intake by considering all sources of caffeine in an individual's diet.

Alternatively, instead of creating separate standards exclusively for carbonated energy drinks, existing standards for carbonated beverages could be modified to include other common ingredients

found in energy drinks such as taurine and glucuronolactone.The Expert Group on Energy Drinks contends that in order to ensure consumer safety and establish suitable standards for energy drinks in India, it is imperative to acquire market data and analyze samples. They recommend conducting a risk assessment to address various concerns associated with formulating these standards. Subsequently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority can involve stakeholders to determine the need for these standards, define their constituents, and establish labeling criteria. Additionally, considering the risk assessment of each specific ingredient is crucial.

When developing standards for energy drinks, it is important to consider the impact on industry and meet WTO requirements. Key issues to address include:

1. Differentiating energy drinks from general purpose and special dietary purpose foods due to their unique characteristics. Safety should take precedence over efficacy when determining the combinations and levels of added substances in energy drinks. Claims made about these drinks should be subject to the same prohibitions and substantiation requirements as health claims.

2. To ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and lactating women, the Food Safety and Standards Authority proposes creating a safety standard specifically for energy drinks in our country. This standard would regulate ingredient levels, caffeine content, and other risk factors that could pose potential harm. Currently, many energy drink brands are unregulated.

3. The new standard will encompass all caffeinated beverages, including those that differ from traditional caffeinated soft drinks. One way to differentiate them is by setting a minimum caffeine level requirement.

4. In addition to setting standards for ingredients and labeling provisions, measures should be implemented to discourage young people,

pregnant women, and lactating women from consuming energy drinks.

Another concern relates to the name "energy drink," which may imply that consumption is necessary for increasing one's energy levels. The Australian New Zealand Food Authority has proposed an alternative name for these beverages: "caffeinated beverage."

The FSSAI is considering seeking public input on the necessity of establishing energy drink standards in the country due to concerns about their impact on consumption and health, particularly among young people. This brief provides information on the scientific stance on energy drinks, the regulatory practices of different countries, and the initial risk analysis conducted by NIN. Those interested in expressing their views can send comments to Dr. Dhir Singh, ADG(PFA), at [email protected] or contact him at 23237418 or 23220994.