List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Apr-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Staying energized and fueling their fit lifestyle is key for the FITNESS audience. So when the magazine’s editors learned that the latest energy-boosting drinks, shots and gels claimed to improve workout performance, mental alertness and health, we decided to investigate. The business is booming: In the United States, the market value of energy drinks hit $4.9 billion last year. And between 2002 and 2007, total retails sales of energy drinks increased 440 percent. Projections show that by 2014, sports and energy drinks’ global market value may reach $47 billion. But how safe are these products? And do they really work? Recognizing the need to help our readers make sense of these popular drinks, shots and gels, FITNESS discovered exactly what goes into them. A few key findings: Most of the vitamins, minerals and dietary supplement ingredients listed on energy drink labels are in quantities too low to have any benefit. The drinks often result in an energy crash (after the initial lift) and in weight gain when used over time. And super-caffeinated energy products don’t just stimulate the brain, they actually keep it from detecting fatigue, so you don’t realize how tired you are.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Bergen used market research reports, nutritional data and scientific studies. No FOI or public records act requests were required.
Explain types of human sources used.
Bergen interviewed a range of experts including registered dietitians, exercise scientists, an associate professor of pharmacy practice and a director of quality for an energy product company.
Results:
The article caught the attention of TV producers and a segment about it ran on Better, a nationally-syndicated lifestyle TV show produced by a division of Meredith Corporation (the parent company of FITNESS). The article was a conversation starter for readers on Fitness magazine’s Facebook page. Facebook fans thanked the magazine for the story and shared their own experiences using energy products.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
FITNESS has not run any corrections, nor has anyone challenged the accuracy of the story.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Studies show that consumers find nutrition labels difficult to decipher. And as FITNESS discovered, the labels can even be misleading. Consult several registered dietitians and food scientists to help you decode these labels and figure out what ingredients the products actually contain and in what quantities.