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In 2006 alone, 500 new energy drinks were created. Energy drinks, that which typically contain large amounts of sugar and caffeine, are equally if not more dangerous to children. Even though the target market for energy drinks are young adults aged 18-35, teenagers are often consuming significant quantities of these beverages. “According to self-report surveys, energy drinks are consumed by 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults.”(pediatrics 1). “Of the 5448 US caffeine overdoses reported in 2007, 46% occurred in those younger than 19 years. Several countries and states have debated or restricted energy drink sales and advertising.” (pediatrics 1). So what can be done to limit the amount of nutritionally-debtrementing liquid calories that children and adolescents are consuming? On an individual-basis, the appropriate approach is quite simply to replace soda and sports drinks with water or low-fat milk in children’s diets. Water is the very best hydrator available. Low-fat milk not only hydrates, but delivers calcium, protein and a great source of vitamin D. “Energy drinks have no therapeutic benefit, and many ingredients are understudied and not regulated. The known and unknown pharmacology of agents included in such drinks, combined with reports of toxicity, raises concern for potentially serious adverse effects in association with energy drink use. In the short-term, pediatricians need to be aware of the possible effects of energy drinks in vulnerable populations and screen for consumption to educate families. Long-term research should aim to understand the effects in at-risk populations. Toxicity surveillance should be improved, and regulations of energy drink sales and consumption should be based on appropriate research.” (pediatrics 1). Pharmacologic effects of caffeine and sugar are notable in children, most commonly seen as hyperactivity, sleep disturbances and restlessness. Drinking
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Medical researchers have much more to learn about energy drinks, but the known primary cause of serious health problems appears to be the high concentrations of caffeine. An example of findings related to cardiovascular effects are, Heart palpitations. According to one study, 19 percent of college students who have used energy drinks had experienced heart palpitations. “Frequently containing high and unregulated amounts of caffeine, these drinks have been reported in association with serious adverse effects, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults with seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behavioral disorders or those who take certain medications.” (pediatrics 1). Energy Drinks affect the males heart, and makes it difficult later in life to have an erection. For every energy drink a male drinks that is one less time they can have a natural erection and orgasm. For a woman, drinking an energy drink is even worse. The energy drink leeches almost all the calcium in a woman's bones making osteoporosis very common when you become older. Energy drinks can, and commonly increased heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in people who already have heart disease. The risks associated with energy drinks are believed to be higher for people who already have existing medical conditions, such as heart defects or certain heart conditions. For example, people with “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy” (seconds count1) should never have caffeine or other stimulants, as they may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and can cause sudden death from cardiac arrest. It is very important to note that not all heart defects are discovered before or when a child is born. Some people may have structural defects in the heart that go undiagnosed until later childhood or
Medical researchers have much more to learn about energy drinks, but the known primary cause of serious health problems appears to be the high concentrations of caffeine. An example of findings related to cardiovascular effects are, Heart palpitations. According to one study, 19 percent of college students who have used energy drinks had experienced heart palpitations. “Frequently containing high and unregulated amounts of caffeine, these drinks have been reported in association with serious adverse effects, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults with seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behavioral disorders or those who take certain medications.” (pediatrics 1). Energy Drinks affect the males heart, and makes it difficult later in life to have an erection. For every energy drink a male drinks that is one less time they can have a natural erection and orgasm. For a woman, drinking an energy drink is even worse. The energy drink leeches almost all the calcium in a woman's bones making osteoporosis very common when you become older. Energy drinks can, and commonly increased heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in people who already have heart disease. The risks associated with energy drinks are believed to be higher for people who already have existing medical conditions, such as heart defects or certain heart conditions. For example, people with “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy” (seconds count1) should never have caffeine or other stimulants, as they may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and can cause sudden death from cardiac arrest. It is very important to note that not all heart defects are discovered before or when a child is born. Some people may have structural defects in the heart that go undiagnosed until later childhood or