Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

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Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

Sara M. Seifert, BS, Judith L. Schaechter, MD, Eugene R. Hershorin, MD,

E. Lipshultz, MD

Published February 14, 2011 PEDIATRICS (doi:10.1542/peds.2009-3592)

Department of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Integrative Medicine Program,

University of Miami, Leonard M. School of Medicine, Miami, Florida

Objective To review the effects, adverse consequences, and extent of

energy-drink consumption among children, adolescents, and young adults.

Methods We searched PubMed and Google using " energy drink, " " sports drink, "

" guarana, " " caffeine, " " taurine, " " ADHD, " " diabetes, " " children, " " adolescents, "

" insulin, " " eating disorders, " and " poison control center " to identify articles

related to energy drinks. Manufacturer Web sites were reviewed for product

information.

Results According to self-report surveys, energy drinks are consumed by 30% to

50% of adolescents and young adults. Frequently containing high and unregulated

amounts of caffeine, these drinks have been reported in association with serious

adverse effects, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults with

seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behavioral disorders or

those who take certain medications. Of the 5448 US caffeine overdoses reported

in 2007, 46% occurred in those younger than 19 years. Several countries and

states have debated or restricted their sales and advertising.

Conclusions Energy drinks have no therapeutic benefit, and many ingredients are

understudied and not regulated. The known and unknown pharmacology of agents

included in such drinks, combined with reports of toxicity, raises concern for

potentially serious adverse effects in association with energy-drink use. In the

short-term, pediatricians need to be aware of the possible effects of energy

drinks in vulnerable populations and screen for consumption to educate families.

Long-term research should aim to understand the effects in at-risk populations.

Toxicity surveillance should be improved, and regulations of energy-drink sales

and consumption should be based on appropriate research.

Key Words: energy drink • caffeine • taurine • children • adolescents

• overdose

Abbreviations: FDA = Food and Drug Administration • ADHD =

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder