Dietary supplements are gaining popularity worldwide, as individuals are not only seeking healthier lifestyles, but also more energy and less fatigue. Dietary supplements usually contain a vitamin, a mineral, an herb, an amino acid, a botanical, a concentrate, a metabolite, constituent, extract, or a dietary substance.
Energy drinks are typically attractive to young people. Approximately 66% percent of its drinkers are between the ages of 13 and 35 years old, with males being approximately 65% of the market. Global energy drinks consumption surged by 14% in 2011 to 4.8 billion liters. Average growth over the past five years has been 10% a year. US teenagers are rapidly becoming the top consumers of energy drinks. Over 500 new brands were brought to the shelves this year.
FDA does not regulate the energy supplements, there is lack of dosage control and the labels may be incorrect. BAPS Charities organized a lecture on this important topic at over 50 centers in North America on December 2, 2012 to educate the participants on the possible side effects and to provide general guidelines on use of these supplements.