Energy Drinks - Dr. Lee Statement

The Grayson County Health Department is working to notify parents about the dangers of energy drinks.

Statement from Dr. Joseph Lee, MD

Medical Director

Grayson County Health Department

The consumption of energy drinks in children and adolescents has become a significant problem. Over 60% of adolescents drink energy drinks regularly, and nearly 50% of children under 12 drink them at least once a week. The FDA has classified energy drinks as a dietary supplement, so there is no regulation of the caffeine content or labeling of the amount of caffeine in the drinks. Soft drinks are regulated and can contain a maximum of 71 mg of caffeine in a can. One can of an energy drink can have as much caffeine as 6 soft drinks, and some of them have as many as 27 tsp of sugar added. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 18 not consume energy drinks and limit caffeine intake to less than 100 mg per day.

Why the concern about caffeine? Caffeine is a significant stimulant both to the nervous system and the heart. Many children see the upcoming game or midterm exam and decide they need that extra energy to do well or stay fully alert. The side effects are much more dangerous than any benefits they may think they are getting. We are addressing this issue because most parents aren’t aware of the danger these drinks pose to their children. Children who take medicine for ADHD are especially at risk because they are adding another potent stimulant to the stimulant medicine they take. There is a risk of increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), cardiomyopathy (injury to the heart muscle). These changes can lead to heart attacks and even sudden cardiac death. In a recent study looking at ER visits resulting from caffeine overdoses, over a seven-year period, there were more than 14,000 overdoses and at least 38 deaths reported to the FDA, most of these related to energy drinks.

What can you do as a parent/teen to replace the energy you get from drinks such as Red Bull or Monster? Parents need to recognize the danger these drinks pose to their children. Don’t assume it’s just a phase or that it’s better than doing drugs or drinking. A significant percentage of overdoses are related to teens mixing energy drinks with alcohol, marijuana, or vaping. The side effects of caffeine alone are dangerous. Mixing them with alcohol, drugs, or nicotine only worsens the dangers. Sadly, they are in the same aisle at convenience stores as soft drinks and readily available to adolescents.

Be aware of what your children are drinking and don’t assume because it is legal, it is safe.

Teens, if you are relying on energy drinks for the stimulation you need to get through the school day or a sports event, please look at safer and more effective ways. Most teens don’t get enough sleep. Eight or nine hours of sleep is recommended for teens. That means turning off the TV and the computer, phone, or tablet at a reasonable hour (not midnight) when you must get up and get ready for school at 6:30. If you’re fully rested, excelling in your schoolwork and your sports will follow. Eating healthy and staying in shape with regular activity will provide more stamina than an energy drink and is much safer.

In conclusion, the American Academy of Pediatrics has urged the FDA to provide more regulations on energy drinks. It is an ongoing struggle. Until that happens, be aware of the risks of energy drinks and what your child is drinking. Also, be aware of the false promises of helping them through their day at school or in sports. For more information about energy drinks and the dangers, go to the healthychildren.org website.

An interesting footnote to this article is that the author of the study I referred to about the cardiovascular side effects of caffeine was Dr. Victoria Vetter, Professor of Pediatric Cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Vickie is one of the most highly respected pediatric cardiologists in the US and is a native of Leitchfield, graduated from Leitchfield High School, and was a classmate of mine at the University of Kentucky Medical School. Small world!

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