Energy drinks have become increasingly popular in society today, even among children and adolescents. The U.S. energy drink market is valued at $25 billion and is growing, with teenagers and young adults being the primary target consumer demographic. Approximately 30% to 50% of adolescents report consuming energy drinks, and nearly one-third of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 report drinking energy drinks regularly.
But are energy drinks safe for kids? The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, advises against children and teens consuming energy drinks and recommends that children under the age of 12 not consume caffeine.
Energy drinks contain sugars, caffeine, additives, and legal stimulants such as guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine. In some energy drinks, a single can or bottle can contain more than 500 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, which is equivalent to 14 cans of a standard caffeinated soft drink. That is a lot of caffeine for a child or adolescent to consume.
Energy drinks are used by individuals in the pediatric population to provide extra bursts of energy or to increase focus and attention; however, they can also have a physical impact on the body, including raising blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Factors that encourage energy drink consumption include enhanced energy, low cost, desirable taste, accessibility, peer pressure, and attractive marketing.
How Caffeine Affects Kids vs. Adults
The effects of caffeine, as well as the bodys processing of caffeine, are different between children and adults. Children are more sensitive to the risks and effects of caffeine compared to adults because of their smaller body sizes, developing brains, and decreased impulse control. They are continuing to grow and develop, and there is concern that caffeine can impact the development of neurological and cardiovascular systems, as well as emotional and social health.
Many doctors and health care providers are anxious for there to be more regulations around adolescents and the consumption of energy drinks due to their associated health risks. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not specifically regulate energy drinks in the same category as food and soda. There is concern that warning labels on energy drinks are inadequate; they fail to disclose risks to minors, or there may be no indicators on the labels at all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that 11.6% of secondary schools sell energy drinks to students on school premises, and 75% of school districts do not have any policies in place to limit the sale of energy drinks at school. It is important to discuss the health risks associated with energy drink consumption amongst minors and the potential dangers these beverages can pose.
Health Risks of Energy Drinks for Kids and Teens
Energy drinks contain caffeine and stimulants, which are how they are marketed to improve energy and attention, and they can be particularly attractive to young individuals. But what risks are associated with energy drink consumption, especially amongst those in the pediatric population?
Caffeine and other stimulants can impact various organs and body systems. They can cause increased blood pressure, heart rate, speech, attentiveness, gastric secretion, motor activity, temperature, and diuresis.
Caffeine consumption in children and adolescents can cause negative side effects, both short-term and long-term, especially if they consume too much caffeine.
Negative side effects can include:
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Feeling jittery
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Agitation
- Sleeping difficulties or disturbances
- Dehydration
- Rapid breathing
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Behavioral issues
- Stress
- Depression
- Aggression
The pediatric population requires rest and sleep to keep up with their rapid development and growth. Caffeine intake from energy drinks can disrupt vital sleep patterns, which can cause significant issues. Alterations in sleep patterns and lack of adequate sleep can result in attention difficulties and overall decreased well-being. Not all children or their parents may realize that some of the symptoms they may be experiencing, such as anxiety or sleeplessness, may very well be due to energy drink consumption.
Energy drink consumption can be especially dangerous for those with underlying medical conditions. Specific underlying medical conditions can lead to increased sensitivity to energy drinks and a potential worsening of these conditions. Those with underlying health conditions such as chronic kidney disease, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, seizures, and migraines may be at higher risk of complications when consuming energy drinks.
Regarding long-term complications, caffeine addiction and overdose are points of concern. Caffeine addiction and withdrawal can be a result of long-term caffeine use. Children or adolescents are more likely to develop addiction or dependence on caffeine at lower doses or frequencies than adults. Withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and agitation may be present when the individual reduces or completely stops consuming caffeine.
Caffeine addictions can lead to overuse of energy drinks and caffeine toxicity. Children can overdose more easily than adults because of their smaller body sizes. Symptoms of overdose include vomiting, hallucinations, or disorientation. Parents and healthcare professionals need to be aware of caffeine overdose and withdrawal symptoms to provide adequate care.
Energy Drink Education: Helping Kids Make Safer Choices
Helping minors understand why energy drinks can be dangerous, rather than just telling adolescents not to drink them, helps support proper education and motivation to consume healthier beverages. Alternative, healthier beverages for children include:
- Water
- Low-fat milk or milk alternatives
- Unsweetened coconut water
- 100% fruit juice that is diluted
Energy drinks are not the same as sports drinks. Many minors consume energy drinks to increase their energy before sporting events or other extracurricular activities. Energy drinks provide a sensation of energy, rather than actual fuel, compared to sports drinks. Sports drinks do not contain caffeine and can help replenish fluids and nutrients during physical activity.
The National Federation of State High School Associations advises against athletes using energy drinks for hydration before, during, or after physical activity. Be aware that sports drinks should be consumed conservatively. It is not recommended to drink them during meals or snack time, and they are not recommended for physical activity that is less than one hour.
Energy drinks may contain more caffeine and other ingredients than consumers initially realize. Many energy drinks are 16 ounces, while the label may indicate the serving size, which is often half the amount of beverage within the container. For example, the label may be based on an 8-ounce serving, whereas the can or bottle size may be 16 ounces. Pay attention to labels.
Nurses, healthcare professionals, educators, and parents can help raise awareness about energy drinks and their potential hazards by:
Having discussions with minors about the risks associated with energy drinks.
Providing healthy alternatives to energy drinks at school in the cafeteria, snack bars, and vending machines.
Coaches can encourage athletes to avoid energy drink consumption before athletic events.
Providing education in healthcare settings regarding the dangers of energy drink consumption in adolescents.
Encouraging regulations regarding the sale of energy drinks to minors.
Conclusion
Energy drinks are very popular amongst children and adolescents, many of whom do not understand the gravity of the potential health threats associated with these types of drinks. While increased energy and attention are desirable, the associated health risks of arrhythmias, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and agitation, to name a few, are dangerous, especially in children and adolescents. Minors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of caffeine and stimulants, and increased education and awareness can help prevent unfortunate health complications related to energy drinks.
About the Author:
Rachel Pugmire is a registered nurse and freelance writer. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018, with a minor in gerontology. Her areas of expertise include emergency medicine, pediatrics, and pharmaceutical clinical trials. Medical writing has given her a platform to do what she is passionate about, which is educating patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
Rachel is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
If you want to learn more about CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.
