Energy Drinks

          Reporting in the March 2011 issue of the journal Pediatrics, S. M. Siefert et al concluded that energy drinks have no therapeutic benefit and that many of the ingredients of these unregulated products have not been sufficiently studied to determine the potential toxicity and serious adverse affects associated with them.  Surveys have shown that 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults consume energy drinks, which may contain high levels of caffeine, taurine and guarana, all of which have stimulant properties.  Some energy drinks contain other ingredients such as vitamins, herbal supplements and sugar or other sweeteners.  Energy drinks are a $9 billion industry in the United States, where more than half of the consumers are children, adolescents and young adults who use these products to “improve energy, weight loss, stamina, athletic performance and concentration”. 

Adverse Effects   

          Caffeine is the main ingredient in energy drinks, which are different from sports drinks used for rehydration.  Consuming large amounts of caffeine, such as may be found in some energy drinks, has been associated with serious adverse effects, including seizures, mania, stroke and sudden death.  Those most vulnerable to these consequences include children with cardiovascular, renal or liver disease, seizures, diabetes, mood and behavioral disorders (including ADHD and eating disorders), hyperthyroidism or those who take certain medications.  

          Caffeine is the most commonly used psychoactive drug worldwide, a drug that is legally available over the counter to children.  Some of the physiologic effects of caffeine include coronary and cerebral vasoconstriction (narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart and brain), stimulation of the heart, increased urination and increased blood pressure.  Undesirable side effects also include anxiety, headache, irritability, tremor, sleep disturbances and withdrawal symptoms on cessation. 

Editorially Speaking  

          At one time, coffee and caffeine were privileges of adulthood.  It was an unspoken rule that for the most part children did not drink coffee.  For centuries, adults have consumed coffee to improve mental alertness, concentration and stamina, usually without apparent adverse consequences when used in moderation.  Unlike the amount of caffeine in sodas or soft drinks, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as a food, energy drinks are considered dietary supplements and, therefore, the amount of caffeine is not regulated.  We know that individuals with certain medical conditions are at risk of adverse side effects from the ingredients of energy drinks and should avoid them.  Much more study, however, is needed to determine their overall safety for children, adolescents and young adults.  Until that time, it makes sense that the developing child’s brain would be better off without exposure to caffeine and the other ingredients found in energy drinks.