Energy drinks have been found to cause various mental and physical health problems in children, with high consumption even being associated with later drug addiction. These drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, as well as other active ingredients such as Guarana and Taurine, which are often used by children and teenagers to increase concentration and stay awake. However, studies suggest that these ingredients can cause cardiovascular problems, headaches, and other side effects in high doses. Researchers at the University of York have analyzed the risks and side effects of energy drinks in children on behalf of the British government.
The team analyzed how much energy drinks were consumed by people under the age of 18 and how this affected their mental and physical health. They were able to use 74 studies published since 2013 for their meta-study. More than two-thirds of the participants reported consuming at least one energy drink in the past year, with about half of minors drinking at least one such drink per week. The studies also suggest that energy drinks have negative effects on children’s physical health, with those who consume caffeine-containing energy drinks reporting more headaches, stomach aches, and sleep problems than those who do not. Additionally, the data shows that energy drinks can increase blood pressure and even cause acute cardiovascular problems and kidney failure in some children.
Furthermore, the studies suggest that energy drinks can also affect children’s mental health and behavior, with high consumption being linked to hyperactivity and attention deficits. Some studies have also found links to stress, anxiety, and depression. Long-term effects of energy drink consumption in children have also been studied, with problematic alcohol and drug consumption, self-harm, and suicide being higher in those who consumed energy drinks frequently as minors. While the data supports the idea of a connection between energy drink consumption and deteriorating health and behavior in children, the cause is unclear and further long-term studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.
In conclusion, the consumption of energy drinks in children has been found to have negative effects on both their physical and mental health. While the data suggests a connection between energy drink consumption and deteriorating health and behavior in children, further studies are needed to establish a causal relationship. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the risks associated with energy drinks and limit their consumption in children.
