

Emerging evidence has linked energy drink consumption with negative health consequences in youth like risk-seeking behaviors, poor mental health, adverse cardiovascular effects, and metabolic, renal, or dental problems. Youth are attracted to energy drinks due to effective marketing, influence from peers, and lack of knowledge about their potential harmful effects. Research has shown that adolescents lack maturity in key areas of the brain and are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior, making them vulnerable to risky behaviors sometimes portrayed in energy drink marketing. Youth are exposed to energy drink advertising on children’s websites, computer games, television, supermarkets, and sporting events. It is a $21 billion industry, with marketing campaigns targeting youth and being sold in places that are easily accessed by this age group. Estimates show more than a 240% increase in U.S. Children and teens may experience heightened effects from the high amounts of caffeine, added sugars including high fructose corn syrup, low-calorie sweeteners, and herbal stimulants, partly due to their smaller body size.

Research has found that consuming high-sugar drinks of any kind can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gout.īecause of the amount of sugar and stimulant ingredients, there is concern that these beverages may not be helpful, and even worse, harmful to adolescents and people with certain health conditions. A nutritional comparison shows that a 12-ounce cola drink contains about 39 grams of sugar, 41 grams of sugar in an energy drink.

Īfter water, sugar is the main ingredient in energy drinks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2007, 1,145 adolescents ages 12 to 17 went to the emergency room for an energy drink-related emergency. Most concerning is a lack of regulation about the safety of these drinks, as well as aggressive marketing tactics geared toward adolescents. Other substances purported to increase energy may be added, like B vitamins and herbs such as ginseng and guarana. Many energy drinks pack about 200 mg of caffeine, the amount in two cups of brewed coffee. They are marketed to increase alertness and energy levels, containing significant amounts of caffeine and as much or more sugar as in soda. Though sometimes confused with sports beverages, energy drinks are a different product entirely. Plain water is the best hydrating beverage for most people, but sports and energy drinks are advertised to appeal to those who exercise or need a boost of energy to get through the day.
