Energy drinks and teens

Energy drinks can actually pose health risks to adolescents, yet approximately 30% of teens consume them on a regular basis. The risks include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, dehydration, and even death. In addition, teens who consume energy drinks are also more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as drinking more sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking cigarettes, and using drugs and alcohol.

Many of the negative effects associated with energy drinks are due to the large amounts of stimulants in these beverages. Their caffeine content can range from 50 to more than 300 mg per can or bottle. However, the amount of caffeine teens consume from energy drinks is trending upwards, in part due to heavy marketing with celebrity athletes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine per day (equal to about 2 cans of caffeine-containing soda or one 8 oz. cup of coffee) and avoid energy drinks altogether. They provide no nutritional benefit.

Parents: Be sure to talk to your teens about the potential problems associated with energy drinks, and make sure they don’t confuse them with sports drinks, which teens should use only when needed.

Updated 26 February 2019