Energy drinks are commonly consumed by the preteen and teen crowd. Recent research has shown that these drinks may be harmful to our teens and young adults. They have been associated with seizures, heart rhythm irregularities and when mixed with other medications or stimulants, they can even be associated with death.
Kids think they need the energy or the boost that these drinks offer, but in fact, the energy high may be short lived, and the risks are serious. I personally had a young teen who came in for a routine sports physical. His blood pressure was higher than normal for him. After questioning, I learned that he had consumed an energy drink just before his appointment. It was only ten am.
He returned to the office the next week and his pressure was within the normal range. I was able to sign his athletic form, and we both learned about the effects of these energy drinks. He no longer drinks them.
Time. com writes that a major concern of the researcher, Dr. Lipschultz, is that these drinks are not regulated by the F.D.A. (Food and Drug administration.) They are classified as dietary supplements, and not as sodas. Therefore, they are not subject to the same scrutiny that soda manufacturers must comply with.
The article published in Pediatrics also noted the increased risk of these drinks in children who have underlying medical issues. Kids with diabetes may not be aware of the extra carbohydrates in an energy drink. This can cause a significant rise in blood sugar. Furthermore, stimulant medications, taken for ADD/ADHD when combined with an energy drinks may increase the risk of “cardiac events.”
Dr. Lipschultz and his team hope to educate teens, parents, caregivers and health care providers about the risks of these high energy drinks. He would also like to see more research in the long term effects of these drinks, and a closer look at the effects on kids who consume these drinks, and have underlying medical issues.
Sources: www. aap.org, Pediatrics, www.Time.com
The advice provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or treatment for specific medical conditions