Congressmen want NCAA to limit energy drink access

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Lawmakers from Illinois, Connecticut and Massachusetts want the NCAA to limit the presence of energy drinks at sponsored events.

Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Edward Markey (D-Malden) was one of three lawmakers who recently sent a letter to NCAA President Mark Emmert. Markey says the athletic association should consider how much access student-athletes have to energy drinks before games or practices. 

Pediatric research recently highlighted the heart risks involved with energy drinks, given their unknown levels of caffeine and additives. Lawmakers are urging regulators to demand more information from manufacturers, but some say that students should be allowed to drink what they choose.

“I think it should be personal choice,” college senior Dan Rosseel said, but he added “I can see where they are coming from with regulating how much caffeine is in the drinks. You don't know what someone's reaction could be; they could have a heart attack.”

The FDA says that one in three young adults drink energy drinks regularly.