“Children and parents are largely unaware of these health risks, despite packaging stating the drinks are not recommended for consumption for children." “They provide a potent source of caffeine and can contain high levels of sugar, sodium and herbal stimulants.”
Experts say kids should never consume energy drinks.
Children and adolescents are at a higher risk of developing adverse effects from drinking energy drinks. These include palpitations, sleeping problems, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
Some parents may not know that energy drinks can actually be harmful for kids' health. Most health professionals agree that energy drinks should be avoided among children and limited for adults.
Anyone under 18 should avoid them entirely, he says. This recommendation has been endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine. Yet at the Connecticut hearing, Red Bull's Joseph Luppino insisted that there is ample evidence of safety.
(According to guidelines put forth by the American Beverage Association, a trade group, energy drinks should not be marketed to children under 12, and other leading brands such as Red Bull and Rockstar carry similar labels recommending against consumption by children.)
At what age is caffeine OK? Here's the harsh truth: No amount of caffeine is proven safe for kids 12 and under. And guidelines say teens should consume no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day, which amounts to one cup of coffee or two cans of soda.
Snacks rich in protein and good fats, such as hard-boiled eggs, cheese, nuts, guacamole with chopped carrots, or fruit with nut butter, will help your child maintain more stable energy levels throughout the day.
Energy drinks are not recommended for children and teens because of the amount of caffeine, sugars and other ingredients (like herbs and amino acids) they contain. Caffeine is a drug naturally found in the leaves and seeds of many plants. It's also artificially made and added to certain foods.
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and causes low blood glucose (sugar). Children who drink alcohol can have seizures and coma; they could even die. This is true of beverage alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) and alcohol found in mouthwash and other personal care products.
There is currently no law that prohibits children buying energy drinks in the US. No matter how old the child or the caffeine content of the drink, children are permitted to buy these drinks.
Red Bull Energy Drink is a non-alcoholic beverage.
Occasional, moderate intake of Red Bull is unlikely to have any serious side effects. Still, when consumed frequently and in excess, it may have several negative and potentially life-threatening effects.
No, Red Bull does not contain alcohol. Therefore, it does not have any alcohol content. However, many people mix Red Bull with alcohol.
Our company policy is to only sell energy drinks to customers who are aged 16+.
Say No to Soda
Soft drinks are commonly served to kids, but they have no nutritional value and are high in sugar. Drinking soda and other sugared drinks can cause tooth decay. Colas and other sodas often contain caffeine, which kids don't need.
If your child is hyper, it could be because they're just a kid. It's normal for children of all ages to have lots of energy. Preschoolers, for instance, can be very active -- they often move quickly from one activity to another. Older kids and teens are also energetic and don't have the same attention span as adults.
Wait for the strong emotion to pass. Be patient. Your child is more likely to calm down if you stay calm and accept their emotions. Give your child some space if they want it, but let them know you're close by – for example, 'I'm just going to sit outside your door'.
Allow them some privacy, especially with friends, but still make time for family activities," explains Dr. Sheff. Whether you play board games, participate in physical activities, or explore new places, doing activities together is a great way to bond with your child, no matter their age.
When children begin drinking caffeine as early as 12 years old, they can develop sleep problems such as shorter sleep times, difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and sleepiness during the day.
Caffeine in Tea
There is no accepted safe amount of caffeine for kids under the age of 12. When deciding whether to give a child tea that contains caffeine, experts recommend being cautious.
An occasional cup of decaf poses no real health risks to a child. In fact, even caffeine in moderate amounts should not be grounds (ha!) for concern.
1. What is the age limit on energy drinks? There's no age limit on the consumption of energy drinks for children and teens (12). However, apex health organizations recommend that children and teens should not consume energy drinks (2).
"PRIME Energy contains 200mg of caffeine, per 12 oz. PRIME Energy is not recommended for children under the age of 18, women who are pregnant or nursing or individuals who are sensitive to caffeine".