Energy Drinks - Good or Bad for Children?

Marketed as energy enhancers, young adults and children take energy drinks before doing athletic activities, working on projects or just studying for exams. Common ingredients of many energy drinks like Red Bull, 5 Hour Energy, Monster Energy, and Rockstar may bring about rapid increases in energy, endurance and performance. Since these drinks are loaded with sugar some prefer diet energy drinks which may contain fewer calories but have caffeine and other substances as well.

These popular, often carbonated beverages contain caffeine and many other substances like tea extracts, ginseng, taurine and yohimbine that boost one’s energy levels. They are able to stay awake and active, perhaps believing that their strength, endurance and memory are improved.

Children given energy drinks could pile on the pounds because they are not active enough to burn off the extra calories. Still others may use these products to overcome fatigue, stress and tension. Doctors say energy drinks – which contain between 10 and 270 calories a serving – should never be given to children. Instead they should be offered water to quench their thirst, and drink the recommended daily amount of fruit juice and low-fat milk with meals.

A hidden problem with these drinks is caffeine, which can reach toxic levels up to 14 times greater than in other soft drinks. The stimulant has been linked to seizures, diabetes, heart problems and behavioral disorders. In beverages that contain ginseng, improved physical and mental performances are believed to occur; however symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbances, vaginal bleeding, hypertension, headaches, vertigo and others can result.

Other harmful effects on children and young adults include:

• Irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbances
• Chest pain, heart attacks and sudden death
• Dehydration
• Calcium deficiency leading to osteoporosis and dental problems
• Increased blood glucose levels and obesity.

Since energy drinks are marketed as natural dietary supplements and are available over the counter, restrictions on their ingredients are less stringent. Risk awareness is therefore important among families, communities, schools and sports organizations.