Best of the web

energy drinks and children: choice

http://www.aca.com.au/articles/a102531p1.htm

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eMedical rating:

The Australian Consumer's Association of Australia has been giving Australians some of the best consumer information around for almost 40 years. Now their consumer magazine, CHOICE, is online and has a many free articles on numerous hot topics. A range of information is available, including the effects of caffeine on children, energy drinks and vitamin toxicity. This site uses plain text and is easy to read and navigate, articles have a print or forward capability and the site has links to consumer watchdog and advisory services.

Medical Keywords:

caffeine, energy drinks, vitamin toxicity, guarana, red bull

what's your poison? - caffeine

http://www.abc.net.au/quantum/poison/caffeine/caffeine.htm

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eMedical rating:

Based on the ABC's Quantum series "Whats your poison?" (1997) this website has a broad range of facts about caffeine ranging from its history, its effects the body and its presence in modern foods. If you missed the show, hypertexts link you to the scripts as well as some expert opinions. Links to other caffeine fact pages are available, in addition to the other series topics; marijuana, alcohol, ecstasy and nicotine. Its written in plain language and is easy to navigate, its clear and informative and well worth a look.

Medical Keywords:

Poison, caffeine, hangover, conception, methylxanthines, cola, coffee, tea, insomnia, alert, alertness, withdrawal, miscarriage

caffeine: friend or foe? healthy eating club

http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/articles/diets-foods/caffeine.htm

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eMedical rating:

This new Australian site refers to a number of studies on caffeine published in internationally respected journals. It considers possible benefits and drawbacks of caffeine in the diet. It also has a list of foodstuffs containing caffeine and the amount. Its brief and predominantly text but clearly set out and easy to navigate and written in plain language.

Medical Keywords:

caffeine, coffee, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, flavonoids, cola, energy drinks, parkinsons disease

caffeine - nsw health

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/dpb/publications/caffeine.html

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eMedical rating:

This comprehensive yet concise Australian site provides an overview of caffeine and its short, immediate and long term affects in dot points. It also examines caffeine and pregnancy, withdrawal and dependency and sleep. An annotated table of caffeinated foodstuffs and caffeine content is provided along with explanations. It provides contacts state by state for more information including toll free numbers. Definitely the first site to see before checking out more detailed or complex sites.

Medical Keywords:

caffeine, food, dependency, withdrawal, sleep, insomnia, pregnancy, coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, cola drinks

how stuff works - caffeine

http://home.howstuffworks.com/caffeine.htm

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eMedical rating:

This US drug information website takes a relatively difficult topic and puts it within the realm of teenagers. It is rather plain to look at but the material provided is sound. This site is particularly detailed going into the physiology of the central nervous system and the neurotransmitters involved in caffeine-induced stimulation.

Medical Keywords:

Caffeine, coffee, chocolate, stimulant, tea, cola, central nervous system, dopamine, adrenaline, neuron, neuron firing, stimulation, adenosine, hormones, withdrawal, tiredness

nutrition australia - frequently asked questions about caffeine

http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/Food_Facts/FAQ/caffeine_and_energy_drinks.asp

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eMedical rating:

Nutrition Australia is a national, independent and not for profit, community based-organisation that aims to promote the health and well-being of all Australians. Nutrition professionals answer frequently asked questions (FAQ) in an easy to understand way. The FAQ on caffeine looks at what is in caffeinated "energy drinks" and why, how much caffeine is in them and how it may affect health. It also examines whether these drinks improve performance, and if they should be substituted for other sports drinks and food.

Medical Keywords:

Caffeine, coffee, chocolate, stimulant, guarana plant, tea, cola, food standards code, energy drinks, withdrawal, bed wetting, disturbed sleep patterns, herbal supplements, St Johns wort, echinacea, ginkgo biloba

drug aware (wa) - caffeine

http://www1.drugaware.com.au/pages/caffeine.asp

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eMedical rating:

An initiative of the WA State Government's Drug and Alcohol Office, this website definitely has some "wow" factor. It takes an in depth look at drugs and their use, in this case caffeine - the short and long term effects, caffeine in pregnancy, energy drinks and Australian laws governing the use of caffeine in the food supply. There are contacts to find out more or get support, and you can even download MP3s. A great site suitable for teens and adults alike.

Medical Keywords:

Caffeine, coffee, chocolate, stimulant, guarana, Paullinia Cupana plant, tea, cola, food standards code, energy drinks, central nervous system, caffeine and pregnancy, pregnancy, diuretic, increased metabolism, withdrawal, elevated blood pressure.

australian institute of sport - caffeine and sports performance

http://www.ais.org.au/nutrition/SuppCaffWS.htm

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eMedical rating:

This authoritative source on sports nutrition, the Australian Institute of Sport, discusses caffeine and effects on sports performance. There is significant information regarding the issues and implications of caffeine use for athletes and sports people at a competitive level. There are four main suggestions on what to "do" with sports people found breaching maximum levels of caffeine in their urine post competition, and a table of products containing caffeine.

Medical Keywords:

Caffeine, coffee, chocolate, stimulant, guarana, tea, cola, energy drinks, caffeine, sports, enhanced performance, alertness, urine test, urinary caffeine excretion, sports doping, anti-doping code.