New study: Doctors visits should include warning to parents about energy drinks

February 16, 2011

TAMPA - A group of high school seniors at Plant High School drink plenty of

water. But they enjoy other beverages as well like energy drinks, Hadley

Curtiss said, " It makes me feel more awake and not so tired, " he said.

Brittany Rudolph will indulge in more than one can of her favorite drink. " It

adds a little step to my day, " she said.

But, exactly how much caffeine could these teens be consuming? Dr.

Canody said it's an alarming amount no matter which brand you choose. " It is

about 6 or 7 soft drinks all in one or as potent as 5 cups of coffee, " she said.

The problem: soda is regulated by the FDA because it falls under a food

category. Energy drinks are marketed as dietary supplements, so they can packed

with almost anything the manufacturer wants.

" So the fact they are not regulated for children poses even higher risk for

children because of the potent affects of caffeine in uncontrolled doses, "

Canody said.

Most energy drinks have some type of warning, including " not recommended for

children. " But, experts feel many of those have been ignored, especially by

teenagers.

A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a board of more than 60,000

doctors, is asking Doctor's like Canody to include warnings about energy drinks

during doctor visits.

Canody thinks it's a great idea. " We have seen more anxiety because of it more

mood disorder some kids can actually become psychotic with caffeine and in rare

cases fatalities. "

Back in May, ACTION NEWS told you about Drew , a 19 year old from Nassau

County. His mother Cheryl is convinced her son died by consuming to much

caffeine in energy drinks.

The medical examiner wouldn't answer our questions but did list cardiac

arrhythmia as a contributor to his death.

Canody hopes this new recommendation will make more people aware. " I think

anything we can do is a help, " she said.

Judging by Hadley and Brittany's response, a simple warning from a doctor may go

a long way.

" If a doctor said they are kind of dangerous, yes! Yeah I would stop. " Hadley

said

Brittany added, " I would definitely follow what the doctor said because they

are not saying it for nothing. So yes. "

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