Energy drinks are heavily marketed to kids, but energy drinks and kids don't mix. 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.
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.
Is caffeine bad for kids? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't have official guidelines about kids and caffeine. But pediatric experts say kids under the age of 12 should avoid caffeine, and those over 12 should limit it to no more than 100 milligrams (about two cans of cola) per day.
Key Points. Bridgetown, in Western Australia, is banning people under 18 from buying energy drinks. The ban is part of a four-month trial aimed at improving mental health and behaviour. Researchers say studies have shown negative health impacts for young people associated with energy drinks.
Energy drinks are heavily marketed to kids, but energy drinks and kids don't mix. 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.
Even though caffeine is a stimulant, it's not generally recommended as a treatment for ADHD because it hasn't proved to be as effective as prescription medications.
One 250ml can of RedBull Energy Drink contains 80 mg of caffeine, about the same amount as in a cup of home-brewed coffee.
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions
It can make your kidneys work harder. In children, single amino acid supplements may cause growth problems. You shouldn't take high doses of single amino acids for long periods of time. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn't use taurine supplements.
No, Red Bull does not contain alcohol. Therefore, it does not have any alcohol content. Coffee and Red Bull offer similar amounts of this stimulant per serving, though coffee has a little more. Regular and sugar-free Red Bull contain 75–80 mg of caffeine per 8.4-ounce (248-mL) can ( 1 , 2 ).
They are advertised as a smart choice of beverage to drink when fatigued or in need of a boost. Due to their high sugar content and stimulants (such as caffeine), the medical community discourages parents from letting their kids consume these drinks at all. Energy drinks hold no health benefits for children.
Experts say kids should never consume energy drinks
Half of this market is aimed at children, adolescents and young adults.
Can energy drinks be sold to under 16s? Yes, there are no age restrictions on the sale of any caffeine containing foods and beverages, including energy drinks.
No, Red Bull does not contain alcohol. Therefore, it does not have any alcohol content.
Energy drinks are loaded with sugar
Excessive sugar intake can cause inflammation, which has been linked to a number of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, Popeck says. Consumption of added sugars can also increase the risk of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Drinking energy drinks daily can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, including irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. Dehydration: Energy drinks can contain high levels of sugar or artificial sweeteners (Sucralose and Acesulfame K.) along with caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
Go outside and go for a walk and take in some deep breaths. Some kids find drawing or painting to be soothing. Drawing or writing about their thoughts and feelings can be very helpful in the moment and later for problem solving. Many people find that listening to music is calming.
Depression often comes with constant fatigue and exhaustion, so energy drinks often appear as a temporary solution. However, they do more harm than good; the combination of caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners can cause increased cardiac rhythm and sleep disruptions.
The key differences between ADHD and high energy are linked to attentiveness and impulse control. An energetic child can focus when prompted, and they can complete a task from start to finish. A child with ADHD may find it nearly impossible to focus, or may get frustrated trying to complete a task.
Most energy drinks contain 100–300 milligrams of caffeine per serving, although amounts can vary. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most adults. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should limit their intake to 200 milligrams or less per day.
For kids involved in intense and prolonged physical activity, sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade may provide a quick source of energy (simple carbohydrates) and may help replace electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that are lost with sweating.
In several studies, energy drinks have been found to improve physical endurance, but there's less evidence of any effect on muscle strength or power. Energy drinks may enhance alertness and improve reaction time, but they may also reduce steadiness of the hands.