Summary Of Barry Meier's Argument

Energy drinks are thought to provide a burst of energy when consumed. However, proof supporting this claim is very minimal. In the article “Energy Drinks Promise Edge, but Experts Say Proof is Scant” by Barry Meier, he tries to prove that claim. The author does successfully support the article’s title by introducing the way energy drinks’ marketing teams approach the topic, explaining how additives don’t have much impact on the drink, and through comparing the drinks to caffeine. The marketing teams of different energy companies promote the drinks as a concoction of different ingredients that allows the consumer to do extraordinary things that they really can’t do. In the article, while giving examples of different energy drink companies’ logos, Barry Meijer states, “Energy drink companies promote … energy drink[s] ... provide something more … Representative Edward J. Markey … has asked the government to investigate the industry’s marketing claims.” Meijer shows that theses claims like “Red Bull gives you wings” for example, falsely describe what energy drinks really do if a political leader has reason to investigate the matter. The author also struggles finding proof of energy drink’s ‘edge’ with the ingredients added in the drink. …show more content…
Meijer brings up a study of a large dosage of B-group vitamins stating “B-group vitamins serve many functions … but several experts say … that huge added dosages do not provide benefits. ” Paul R. Thomas, a scientific adviser and reference for the author said “They are not going increase energy levels.” Meijer proves that one of the many additives in the drinks doesn’t provide any sort of an edge and isn’t even beneficial for the consumer. Meijer touches on another major topic of the energy drinks’