Cons And Pros Of Taurine - The Active Ingredient in Energy Drinks

by



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.



DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________



Table of Content

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTVI

CHAPTER 11

1.1Introduction2

1.1.1Energy Drinks and Their Sales throughout the Past Years2

1.1.2The History of Energy Drinks & Anti-energy Drinks3

1.1.3Energy Drink Ingredients: Effects and Potential Dangers5

1.1.4Caffeine6

1.1.5Guarana7

1.1.6Taurine8

1.1.7Ginseng9

1.1.8Inositol10

1.1.9B-Vitamins10

1.1.10Glucuronolactone11

1.2Literature Review11

1.2.1Ant-Energy Drink Ingredients: Effects And Potential Dangers11

1.2.2Melatonin12

1.2.3Rose Hips12

1.2.4L-theanine12

1.2.5Valerian Root13

1.2.6Energy Drink & Anti-energy Drink Consequences14

1.2.7Energy Drinks & Performance15

1.2.8Energy Drinks & Alcohol19

1.2.9Negative Consequences of Energy Drink Overconsumption21

1.2.10Depression and Substance Abuse23

1.2.11High-Risk Drinking in College24

1.2.12Performance in the Heat26

1.2.13Taurine: The High-Energy Amino?27

1.2.14Taurine-Containing Drinks: The No-Bull Truth?27

1.2.15Muscle Protector28

1.2.16Taurine and the Human Body29

1.2.17Occurrence in nature31

1.2.18Record of taurine31

1.2.19General Functions33

1.2.20Taurine in Energy Drinks35

1.2.21Sports Nutrition37

1.3Aims of Thesis37

1.3.1Effects of Energy Drinks on Actual Human Energy37

CHAPTER 240

2.1Method and Materials41

2.1.1Participants41

2.1.2Recruitment & Informed Consent42

2.1.3Instruments44

2.1.4The Capacity-to-Consent44

2.1.5Survey45

2.1.6CES-D46

2.1.7Individual Interview Guide47

2.1.8Procedures48

2.1.9Recruitment48

2.1.10Informed Consent Process49

2.1.11Survey Administration49

2.1.12Individual Interviews49

2.1.13Data Management50

2.1.14Data Analysis50

2.1.15Quantitative Data Analysis51

2.1.16The Model51

2.1.17Qualitative Data Analysis52

2.1.18Reliability and Validity54

2.1.19Confirmability and Dependability55

2.1.20Credibility and Transferability56

2.1.21Case Study : REDBULL - The Highest Selling Energy Drink57

CHAPTER 360

3.1Results61

3.2Summary71

CHAPTER 473

4.1Discussion74

4.2Patterns of Energy Drink Use74

4.3Predictors of Energy Drink Use78

4.4Limitations of the Study80

4.5Implications for Social Work Education and Practice82

4.6Implications for Future Research84

4.7Conclusion86

REFERENCES88

APPENDIX100

Questionnaire100

ABSTRACT

Taurine, originally isolated in ox bile, is a beta-sulfur amino acid found in humans as

well as animals. This b-amino acid is present in much of the meat that humans consume. Studies have demonstrated that taurine is critical to the development ofthe central nervous system, the brain, and the retina.. Additionally, taurine has been found to be an antioxidant, may be helpful in decreasing cholesterol levels, and may also protect the diseased heart. In the 1980s, taurine was added as a supplement in most neonate formulas. A primary concern is that there is little reliable information about the exact dose that can be considered to be safe.This study gives a detailed explanation on the cons and pros of taurine and other harmful substances found in the energy drinks.

CHAPTER 1



Introduction

Energy Drinks and Their Sales throughout the Past Years

Energy drink consumption is a growing public health concern due to the negative behavioral and health consequences that are associated with their use (Oteri, Salvo, Caputi, & Calapai, 2007; Laquale, 2007; Lyadurai & Chung, 2007; Miller, 2008; Reissig, Strain, & Griffiths, 2009). Cases of caffeine abuse that are directly related to energy drink consumption are increasingly being reported to the United States Poison Control Center along with a host of related negative health consequences (McCarthy, Mycyck, & DesLauriers, 2006). Energy drinks (EDs) contain a combination of caffeine, various herbal preparations and sugar or sugar-free sweetener and are sold under trade names such as Red Bull, Monster, and Rock Star. The ED industry grosses over $5 billion annually and primarily targets young people (Packaged Facts, ...