Drinking ‘energy drinks’, which contain above 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre, has been linked to harmful effects including headaches, stomach aches, and sleep problems.
Research carried out for the Government suggests that approximately 60% of children between the ages of 10 and 17 consume energy drinks.
Rockstar contains 32mgs of caffeine per 100ml.
Therefore to calculate how much caffeine is in a single 500ml can we must multiply 32mgs by 5:
32 x 5 = 160mgs of caffeine in a 500ml can.
We can calculate how many mgs of caffeine are in 1 litre of Rockstar:
One litre = 1000ml
if there are 160mgs in 500ml then there are 320mgs of caffeine in 1 litre of Rockstar. (160 x 2)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommend caffeine consumption by young people is limited to 3 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight per day. Depending on the weight and height of the child some single serve cans of energy drinks can include more caffeine than the recommended daily limit.
Can you calculate your recommended maximum caffeine consumption? Multiply your weight in kilograms by 3mgs.
Energy drinks also contain as much as 65% more sugar than other soft drinks.
Caffeine can raise blood pressure and interfere with sleep. Caffeine is known to make anxiety worse and can affect your mood.
Create a poster, video or presentation comparing the caffeine and sugar content of drinks around your home or those you may have consumed previously. As part of your presentation you should include your opinion, based on facts you have gathered, about whether energy drinks are safe for children.
Why not share your results on Twitter using #STEMglasgow
