Are Energy Drinks Safe for Kids? New Study Reveals Serious Health Risks
Energy drinks have become a popular go-to beverage for teens and young adults. But a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics raises serious concerns about their safety — especially for children and teenagers.
Too Much Caffeine = Real Danger
The report, authored by Dr. Steven Lipshultz and colleagues from the University of Miami, found that energy drinks can lead to serious health issues in young people, including:
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
- Strokes
- Elevated blood pressure
- In extreme cases — sudden death
These effects are mostly linked to excessive amounts of caffeine and similar stimulants, often present in much higher doses than in standard soft drinks.
A Real-Life Warning
Dakota Sailor, an 18-year-old high school senior from Missouri, had a seizure and was hospitalized for five days after drinking two large energy drinks. Doctors believe the caffeine or other similar ingredients were to blame. He now avoids the drinks altogether — and urges his peers to do the same.
What Makes These Drinks So Dangerous?
Many energy drinks contain four to five times the caffeine of a regular soda. Some even include additional substances like:
- Guarana
- Taurine
- Ginseng
- B-vitamins in excess
These can amplify caffeine’s side effects or cause other issues like nausea, irritability, and gastrointestinal upset.
No Benefits for Children, Say Experts
Dr. Marcie Schneider of the American Academy of Pediatrics states bluntly:
“These drinks have no benefit, no place in the diet of kids.”
The American Association of Poison Control Centers began tracking energy drink-related issues — reporting over 300 cases in just three months. Alarmingly, a quarter of those cases involved children under six years old.
Lack of Regulation and Research
Despite their popularity, energy drinks are underregulated and understudied — especially when it comes to long-term effects in children or those with health conditions like ADHD, epilepsy, or heart problems. The study’s authors are calling for energy drinks to be regulated as stringently as tobacco, alcohol, and prescription medication.
Energy Drinks + Alcohol = Extra Risk
Mixing energy drinks with alcohol, a growing trend among young adults, is especially dangerous. The stimulant effects can mask intoxication, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and risky behavior.
The Bottom Line
Energy drinks are not just “extra caffeine.” They’re complex, highly stimulating beverages that pose real risks to children’s health — from seizures and heart complications to long-term developmental concerns.
Parents and caregivers are urged to talk with their children and teens about the dangers of energy drinks and consult their pediatricians if they’re unsure.