Energy Drinks and Teens
According to the American Beverage Association,
energy drink beverages are novelty refreshment
beverage products. They may increase endurance and
improve performance and can have a “pick me up”
quality. They are not designed to be a functional
beverage product such as sports drinks.
Why do these drinks have a “pick me up” quality? The answer is caffeine and
sugar. Energy drinks are a 3.4 billion dollar industry and growing. According
to Simons Research, 31% of teens drink them. Problems arise when teens drink
too many or if it is mixed with alcohol, studies are finding a number of poison
contrail center calls from teens getting sick from too much caffeine.
What can parents do? Be aware of your child’s caffeine consumption and talk to
them about your concerns. Check the label of what they are drinking and if you
suspect their caffeine intake is too high, cut back slowly as stopping altogether
may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, temporary depression and
irritability. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your physician.
Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, upset stomach, headaches, difficulty
concentrating, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate and/or increased blood
pressure. Following is information about the caffeine contents from the Journal
of Analytical Toxicology:
SoBe No Fear
Starbucks Doubleshot
SoBe Adrenaline Rush
Red Celeste
EMaxx
Amp
Red Bull
Red Bull Sugarfree
Red Devil
KMX
Coca-Cola Classic
Pepsi
7-Up
Hair of the Dog
Serving
Size (oz.)
16.0
6.5
8.3
8.3
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.4
8.4
12.0
12.0
12.0
8.4
Caffeine
(mg/serving)
141.1
105.7
76.7
75.2
73.6
69.6
66.7
64.7
41.8
33.3
29.5
31.7
none detected
none detected
Reprinted from The Communicator, California State PTA, May 2007