Attorney General Investigates Energy Drink Claims, Ingredients, and SafetyElizabeth Renter More Negative Spotlight on Energy Drinks These energy drinks can be found just about anywhere. They are marketed to teens and young adults as a societal trend, as well as the modern adult who is very active. Frequently, they will tout a few natural ingredients as being a source of pure, safe energy. But Schneidermann isnt so sure the claims are completely accurate or fair. The investigation is looking at the products and how they are marketed, saying that perhaps the benefits of exotic-sounding ingredients are being overstated, while caffeine (often the main ingredient) is being downplayed. All the while, drinking sports and energy drinks is actually comparable to bathing your teeth with acid according to scientists who have unleashed their findings on how these beverages may be destroying the health of your teeth. These drinks arent regulated like typical soft drinks. According to the FDA, the term energy drink isnt defined by regulation, which means it could be slapped on nearly anything. In 2009, the agency expressed concern over the ingredients being used in such drinks, stating the plant extracts were being used beyond their traditional roles. You can almost compare the term to the phrase all natural, for which there is no official definition, allowing companies to throw the label on their products for various reasons. These reasons are often misleading. Investigators are looking into whether the addition of ingredients like guaranaanother source of caffeineviolates laws that ban putting multiple sources of caffeine in one beverage without disclosing the overall amount, according to the person familiar with the investigation. If energy drink makers are found to have violated New York law in regards to food products, they could be forced to pay fines and to change their labels and marketing approaches. Such findings could eventually lead to tighter federal regulation by the FDA. And of course there are alternatives to these sports drinks. Living an overall healthy lifestyle and detoxing your body from toxins will help increase your energy levels. But, more specifically, you can try these natural energy boosters, while also increasing consumption of vitamin B12, a vitamin largely responsible for increased energy levels or lack thereof. Additional Sources: Explore More: This article first appeared at Natural Society, an excellent resource for health news and vaccine information. 