Prime Drink: Drinks that boost energy have grown very popular in recent decades, offering the promise of energy boosts using inquisitorial ingredients. The most recent to enter the arena? YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime Energy drinks. These neon bottles have been smuggled off the shelves, causing concern for lawmakers and parents over the health risks they pose.
What’s the truth about these drinks’ ingredients and the marketing behind these drinks? As parents, do you let your kids drink Prime? I spoke to experts to get the facts.
A Quick History of Energy Drinks
Opening a cold bottle of energy liquid first caught interest in 1997, when Red Bull was launched in the US. Since then, energy drinks have become popular among adolescents and youngsters. Brands such as Monster, Rockstar, and Bang created multi-billion-dollar empires based on these drinks.
The Prime drink is the newest addition to beverages containing caffeine. It was introduced at the beginning of 2022 by the social media stars Logan Paul and KSI. Prime came onto the scene thanks to viral marketing. Their first drink, Prime Hydration, has electrolytes, vitamins, branched-chain amino acids, and coconut water. Then, in 2023, they came out with Prime Energy, which adds substantial amounts of caffeine.
Internet stars leveraged their huge Gen Z and young millennial fans to push Prime. It worked. Videos of fans in a frenzy lining up to purchase drinks have been circulated on TikTok and YouTube. Prime’s innovative marketing strategy and high-quality ingredients make it a sought-after status image.
Senator Chuck Schumer even sent an open letter to the FDA expressing concern over Prime’s popularity with people under 18. He’s asked the agency to study the drink’s caffeine level and the impact of advertising geared toward youth.
So what’s causing lawmakers and parents to be so worried? Let’s take a look.
Examining Prime’s Ingredient List
A 12-oz bottle of Prime Drink Energy contains 200mg of caffeine, equivalent to two cups of 8-oz coffee and two bottles of Red Bull.
For most healthy adults, caffeine is within the safe limits for caffeine consumption. However, doctors warn that it might cause teenagers and young children to overdose.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- An amount of 100 mg or less caffeine daily is recommended for teens.
- No caffeine for children younger than 12 years old.
Excessive consumption of caffeine can increase heart rate and insomnia, as well as nervousness in the stomach, upset stomach, and anxiety. It can also impact certain medicines. Children and teens of smaller sizes suffer these side effects more often due to a smaller body weight.
In addition, As Dr. Rebecca Carl explains, children are often struggling with self-regulation:
“If children can access the above drinks, they could consume more. “
The prime drink is printed with a warning that their beverage isn’t designed for children under 18. But, the warning is very tiny within the container. The majority of their popular advertising focuses on young creators and fans.
When you asked about these concerns, a Prime spokesperson said: Prime spokesperson stated:
“
The prime drink is printed with a warning that their beverage isn’t designed for children under 18. But, the warning is very tiny within the container. The majority of their popular advertising focuses on young creators and fans.
Energy…contains the same amount of caffeine as other energy drinks that are top sellers. It met all FDA guidelines before its introduction into the market. It also clearly states on its packaging, as in marketing materials, that it’s an energy drink not formulated for those under 18 years old.”
In addition to caffeine, Prime Drink Energy and Hydration contain other ingredients that concern medical experts.
Vitamin Overload
Both Prime drinks contain more than The total daily intake of vitamins B6 and B12. Although these vitamins are vital for converting food into energy, most people get enough from their diet.
Consuming large amounts over a prolonged period could result in nerve damage, irritations to the skin, nausea, and liver problems. Children who drink this drink with a diet high in vitamins or supplements could easily exceed the limits of safety.
Artificial Sweeteners
Instead of the sugar in Prime Drink beverages, they use sucralose, a synthetic sweetener, to cut down on calories. But, sweeteners that are not nutritious, such as sucralose, aren’t safe alternatives, particularly for children.
According to the World Health Organization, these sugar substitutes have no nutritional benefit, and their long-term effects are still unclear. WHO recommends avoiding the intake of sweeteners in general, especially when young.
Further research on the safety of artificial sweeteners is urgently needed. Pediatricians advise against giving them to children.
Amino Acids
Prime boasts BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) to aid in recovery from exercise. However, anyone who eats enough protein from dairy, meat, or legumes gets ample BCAAs. Supplementing with BCAAs is not likely to enhance the performance of athletes or improve recovery.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium are essential for sustaining proper hydration levels. The body typically maintains high levels of health through a nutritious diet. The only exception is those who exercise for longer than two hours and require supplementation.
Both drinks contain electrolytes. However, for most casual exercisers, water and food provide adequate electrolytes.
The Safest Drinks for Kids’ Sports
In the world of youth sports, old-fashioned H2O is the best option. Pediatricians recommend keeping young athletes hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Take small, frequent sips before, during, and after playing.
If you are playing in a very long tournament or participating in activities that last more than two hours, an electrolyte-containing drink is a good idea. But even in that case, plain water and snacks are sufficient to replenish and rehydrate most kids.
If you decide to purchase a special drink, be sure to read the label before you purchase. According to Dr. Carl cautions:
“Some drink brands come with specific warnings that they’re not meant for kids. However, they’re marketed to youngsters, using bright colors and images of children watching. Parents and coaches must ensure they are protecting their children and examining the ingredients in these drinks before purchasing them. “
The Takeaway: Moderation and Caution With Energy Drinks
If consumed in moderation by healthy adults, drinks with energy like Prime are likely to cause little danger. However, their caffeine content may exceed the recommended guidelines for children and adolescents.
Pediatric experts encourage parents to:
- Be sure to monitor children’s consumption of all caffeine-containing beverages closely.
- Read the nutrition information on drink labels before buying
- Disarm children from peer pressure to drink energy drinks
Consuming plain water is the best method of maintaining hydration during most sports and workouts. Foods and a balanced, healthy diet can provide enough electrolytes, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
If you choose to consume beverages with energy, moderation and caution are essential, especially when children are involved.
The Hidden Truth Behind Energy Drinks’ Popularity
Beyond caffeine, additional ingredients in energy drinks may impact health. Scientists aren’t sure of the effects of these drinks, particularly over time.
A 2017 study from The Journal of the American Heart Association examined an energy drink against a drink that contained sugar and caffeine. The researchers discovered only the energy drink changed healthy adults’ heart rhythm and blood pressure. Other common complaints were nausea, insomnia, anxiety, and stomach pain.
We need to research the effects on mental and cardiovascular health. Their popularity with young people makes recognizing any risk more critical.
Furthermore, the energy drink makers have little control over reporting adverse impacts. According to Chuck Bell of Consumer Reports says:
“Many energy drinks used to be classified as dietary supplements, but now most are marketed as beverages…Beverages don’t have to report adverse events. Therefore, we aren’t able to monitor the health issues that consumers might experience entirely due to these drinks. “
The lack of monitoring allows programs like Prime to rapidly spread throughout the world without fully comprehending the impact, particularly on vulnerable groups such as adolescents.
Lawmakers Press For Tighter Energy Drink Regulations
Energy drinks are currently in a gray regulatory zone between dietary supplements and conventional food and beverages. Companies can produce them without restriction and advertise them freely.
However, the increased scrutiny of groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the WHO, puts pressure on regulatory agencies. Senators such as Chuck Schumer have urged the FDA to study the popularity of brands such as Prime Energy among young people.
More stringent regulations regarding product labeling, caffeine limits, ingredient manufacturing, and safety could offer much-needed protections to consumers. This would include restricting access to advertising that targets children and adolescents.
However, the intense lobbying efforts by billion-dollar energy drink companies make the passage of such bills difficult. Oversight has been slow to date.
A few schools have already prohibited energy drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that pediatricians screen for excessive use and inform families about potential risks.
Parenting Around the Prime Energy Craze
When viral trends, such as Prime, spark interest among young people and parents, it puts them in a tough spot. Limiting or denying access is only sometimes successful. Instead, open conversations that enable children to make informed choices are more successful.
Below are some suggestions for discussing energy drinks with Dietitian Amy Keating:
Make sure they weigh the short-term benefits against the risks of long-term use. While drinks such as Prime Drink are designed to taste delicious and provide rapid energy, what do we know about their effects on a person’s health in the long run? What research-based guidelines are the appropriate dosages for growing teens and children? Comparison shop for healthier alternatives.
Let judgment out of it. Saying certain things “are bad for you” usually isn’t helpful. Children are more open to criticism when they are coming from a place of love instead of a place of criticism. Concentrate on feeling great for the long term.
Ask yourself how you feel after drinking energy drinks. Are you anxious, shaky, or wired? Connecting personal experiences to ingredients can make the issue more concrete.
Establish clear guidelines. Explain your reasoning while offering solid guidelines for unhealthy consumption for people their age. Make a compromise on what a reasonable level of enjoyment is.
Be a role model for healthy habits at home. Children notice when parents teach one thing and practice another. Be mindful of moderation and balance coffee consumption in your daily life.
The explosion of energy drinks’ popularity shows no sign of slowing down; a new culture might emerge. One that focuses less on instant fixes and stimulants that can help you get through everyday life and more on sustainable nutrition and balance in lifestyle.
In the meantime, it remains essential to empower children, adolescents, and young adults to make informed decisions, particularly about their health and well-being.
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- I'm an engineer by profession, which gives me a strong analytical and technical foundation. In my free time, I immerse myself in blogging and writing, where I can express my thoughts and share my experiences. This blend of engineering and creativity is not just my career, but a reflection of who I am.
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