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If Your Child Requests an Energy Drink, Just Say No
Before you crack open that energy drink, you might want to reconsider. Recent studies indicate that consuming just one 16-ounce energy drink could pose serious risks, including potential heart damage, even for otherwise healthy young adults. One study highlighted in The Journal of the American Heart Association examined how 32 ounces of energy drinks affect blood pressure and heart function—results that were alarming compared to the mere consumption of caffeine alone. So, maybe a Diet Coke isn’t such a bad idea after all. Or is it?
The research involved 18 healthy individuals who drank an energy drink and a different beverage containing the same caffeine content but lacking the additional ingredients found in energy drinks. While caffeine is a common component, the safety of other ingredients remains largely unknown.
In this particular study, participants consumed a drink containing 320 mg of caffeine (equivalent to four cups of coffee), combined with four ounces of sugar, several B vitamins, and a proprietary blend of taurine and other ingredients often found in popular energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull. Yes, there’s even a drink called “Cocaine” on the market—if you choose to go for that, well, that’s your call.
Researchers monitored participants’ blood pressure and heart activity using an EKG for 24 hours post-consumption. They found irregular heartbeats in those who drank the energy drink, while those who consumed the caffeine-only beverage showed no such issues. Blood pressure surged by nearly five points in the energy drink group, compared to less than one point in the caffeine group.
Alarmingly, from 2010 to 2013, over 5,000 cases of adverse effects linked to energy drinks were reported to U.S. poison control centers. Nearly half of these incidents involved children who were unaware of what they were consuming. Advertisers target children by promoting these drinks as enhancers of focus, reaction time, and athletic performance, featuring endorsements from extreme sports athletes.
Curiously, I recently asked my 12-year-old if energy drinks are sold at her school—turns out, they aren’t. But it’s worth noting that there are no age restrictions on purchasing these beverages at stores or gas stations.
Just a single 16-ounce energy drink can elevate blood pressure and stress hormones, putting young adults at risk for heart issues, according to a study by the Mayo Clinic. So maybe it’s time to stick with safer options like coffee or tea.
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In summary, if your child requests an energy drink, it’s best to steer them in a safer direction. Your heart will thank you!