The number of different energy drinks on sale in Ireland has jumped in recent years and some of these products contain over 16 teaspoons of sugar or the same amount of caffeine as two expressos in just one serving.

According to a new report by Safefood, a survey it carried out in 2002 showed that there were 10 energy drink products available on the Irish market. A survey carried out last year revealed that 17 different brands and 39 different energy drink products were available - an increase of 290%.

Males aged 15-24 are the biggest consumers of these products and among those who consume them, over half drink them at least once a week or more.

"It's really remarkable that these products are so prevalent and together, energy drinks and sports drinks now comprise more than 20% of the soft drinks market in Ireland. Consumption can have health consequences because of their sugar and caffeine content.

"A typical small 250 ml can has sugar levels of six teaspoons per can which is equivalent to a full chocolate bar. The caffeine content is high and drinking two small cans and one small espresso of coffee drives an adult's daily caffeine intake above recommended levels," commented Safefood's director of human health and nutrition, Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan.

The report revealed that Mountain Dew has the higher sugar content. One 500ml bottle contains 66g of sugar, which is equivalent to 16.5 teaspoons. This was followed by Monster Energy and Monster Assault, which contain 55g of sugar (14 teaspoons) per 500ml can and Energise Edge, which contains 48g of sugar (12 teaspoons) per 440ml can.

Even smaller servings, such as a 250ml can of Red Bull or 250ml can of Tiger contained 27.5g of sugar, which is seven teaspoons.

Meanwhile, the highest caffeine content was found in 500ml cans of Monster Energy, Monster Assault and Monster Rehab, all of which contained 160mg of caffeine. This is the same amount of caffeine found in two expressos.

A 440ml can of Energise Edge contained almost 141mg of caffeine.

A number of smaller 250ml cans contained 80mg of caffeine - the same amount found in one expresso - including Red Bull, Tiger and KX Energy.

The report highlighted the fact that the average price of these drinks in Ireland is €1.09, however some products were being sold for just 49c.

The leading brands are supported by ‘extensive promotional campaigns particularly on digital and social media', Safefood noted. Many brands have numerous dedicated Facebook and Twitter accounts and marketing campaigns that are specifically aimed at active young people.

Globally, Red Bull has 121 dedicated Twitter accounts and 61 Facebook accounts. In 2013, it was the highest selling energy drink brand worldwide, with sales of $10.9 billion.

Meanwhile, Safefood also expressed concern about the use of energy drinks as mixers with alcoholic drinks.

"Safeood's position continues to be that these drinks are not recommended as a mixer for alcoholic beverages, but this is now common and part of the binge drinking culture prevalent particularly amongst our 15-24 year olds," Dr Foley-Nolan said.

According to Operation Transformation's GP, Dr Ciara Kelly, mixing energy drinks, which are stimulants, with alcohol, which is a depressant, ‘is like driving a car with your feet on the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time'.

"It stimulates a person so they actually end up drinking for longer as they may not be aware how drunk they really are. GP surgeries and our A&E Departments have to deal with the effects of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. The cheap price, easy availability, aggressive marketing and consumption of these products bluntly show how far from responsible the industry truly is," she commented.

Safefood emphasised that these products are not suitable for children under the age of 16, and are not suitable for rehydration following sport or exercise.

"The marketing of these products should be undertaken without any ambiguity or association with sport or alcohol. An awareness campaign of the potential health issues, targeted specifically at young people, is something that needs to happen," Dr Foley-Nolan added.