Examen PAU Lengua Extranjera: Inglés 2023 Extraordinaria — Madrid

Text B The Case against Energy Drinks is Getting Stronger Energy drinks are popular among teens and adults, but studies continue to show they may have serious side effects, including high blood pressure and hyperactivity. In a report published in Pediatric Emergency Care, from 2011 to 2013 researchers conducted a questionnaire at two emergency departments that surveyed adolescents between ages 12 and 18 about their energy drinks habits in relation to health issues. Of the 612 young people who responded, 33% said they drank them frequently. Among those teens, 76% said they had suffered a headache in the last six months, 47% said they had experienced anger and 22% reported difficulty when breathing. It is impossible to say whether any of those behaviors were due to power drinks, but young people who consumed them were more likely to report the symptoms than those who didn’t. However, those who drank energy drinks were more inclined to say they helped them to do better in school or in sports, to focus and to stay up at night. Energy drinks contain multiple stimulating ingredients beyond caffeine. “Often energy drinks contain an energy blend which is a combination of herbal supplements as well as vitamins in often greater levels than the appropriate daily intake,” says one of the researchers. “Further research may be needed to determine their use and dosages.” As Time magazine has previously reported, energy drink companies insist their products are safe and that a link between their beverages and side effects can’t be confirmed. They claim that their products give an energy boost and improve physical and cognitive performance. However, studies supporting these statements are limited: although power drinks may have beneficial effects on physical performance, they also have possible adverse health consequences. The promotion of energy drinks should be limited until independent research confirms their safety, particularly among adolescents. Adapted from “The Case Against Energy Drinks Is Getting Stronger,” Time, November 16, 2016. <https://time.com/4569694/energy-drinks-soda-caffeine>