Quebec health group wants government to oversee energy drink advertising

The Quebec Association for Public Health (ASPQ) is calling onprovincial and federal governments to regulate marketing and advertising when it comes to energy drinks.

• Energy drinks could make some teens more susceptible to diabetes, says Calgary study
• Quebec health groups want warning labels on sugary drinks

The organization claims that the government should oversee the advertising of energy drinks, which arehigh in sugar and caffeine,in order to protect children and adolescents, who are particularly fond of them, from various health risks.

milie Dansereau-Trahan, a manager for the association, said high levelsof caffeine arelinked to headaches, sleeping problems and behavioural issues.

Companies targetyoung people in their advertising bylinking energy drinks to invincibility, extreme sports and an adventurous lifestyle, according to Dansereau-Trahan.

About 80 municipalities in Quebec have adopted resolutions prohibiting the sale of energy drinks within local establishments.