Popular Energy Bars Can Be Dangerous

STORY SOURCE:
Cynthia Sass, (813) 974-4936

Media Contact:
Lisa Cunningham, (813) 974-9060

POPULAR ENERGY BARS CAN BE DANGEROUS, USF DIETITIAN SAYS

TAMPA, Fla. (June 30, 2000) -- Energy bars may be popular for athletes, but they don't always provide essential nutrients, and their ingredients aren't always regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, says Cynthia Sass, a dietitian at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Energy bars may contain ingredients that could be harmful or even fatal, especially herbal ingredients that are marketed to be energy boosters or increase metabolism, such as ephedra. Ephedra is a stimulant that if misused can cause dangerously high blood pressure and a fast heart rate, Sass says.

"The stimulant typically causes a feeling of false energy, like caffeine, and side effects include nervousness, dizziness, vomiting and heart palpitations," Sass says. "Just because a product is 'natural' doesn't mean it can't hurt you."

Ephedra is found in almost every popular weight-loss and "energy-boosting" product on the market, Sass says. The FDA recently warned against the use of ephedra, particularly when it's combined with caffeine.

"Some states have recently passed laws regulating it," Sass says. "As many as 800 cases of medical problems and a dozen deaths have been linked to its use."

Energy bars and tempting and easy to grab on the way out the door for a jog.

"A small energy bar may provide as many as 300 calories, mostly as simple carbohydrate," Sass says.

Something like this can be useful to an endurance athlete, such as a marathon runner or triathlete, but for most people, a better mix of calories and nutrients could be obtained by choosing a balanced meal or snack, she says.

Sass suggests consuming small, frequent meals and snacks that consist of naturally nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt and healthy proteins like peanut butter, soy and lean meats.

She recommends eating dried fruit, including raisins, apricots or cherries. Or spread a little peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread or eat an apple.

"It might take a little extra time, but you're better off getting your vitamins from food," Sass says. "The body absorbs them more easily and you get a more sustained feeling of energy."

- USF -