Energy drink ban for Household Cavalry regiment when around military horses
Soldiers belonging to the Blues & Royals have been ordered to stop consuming all energy drinks containing taurine.
Members of the regiment, which is part of the Household Cavalry, have been warned they will face disciplinary action if they break the new rules.
The order, seen by Forces News, sent to all ranks and published on noticeboards in barracks said there had been a ban with "immediate effect".
It also points personnel to Very Well Health, an online resource for health and wellness information.
Personnel have been told: "Anyone found to be drinking these in the stable lines will have disciplinary action taken against them."
It is understood the rule applies only to consumption within the stable blocks around military horses, with it not extending to other working areas.
The change is a unit-level initiative and does not reflect wider Army policy.
According to the British Dietetic Association, energy drinks are marketed to improve concentration and reduce tiredness through the inclusion of caffeine and other ingredients which help mitigate fatigue, including vitamins and flavourings.
But it warns: "A mounting body of evidence demonstrates that the consumption of energy drinks is detrimental to both the physical and mental wellbeing of young people, as well as encouraging other risky behaviours such as alcohol use."
The new rule comes as a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s is being considered by the Labour Party if it wins power at the next general election.
According to Sky News, the proposal has been submitted for the party's election manifesto amid growing evidence of the health risks to young people from high-caffeine products.
Taurine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in foods with protein such as meat or fish.
It is produced by the human body and mainly concentrates around the brain, eyes, heart, and muscles.
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