Between work, school, friends and extracurricular activities, it's no wonder teenagers may be tempted to turn to energy drinks to boost their energy and beat fatigue. Unfortunately, the effects of energy drinks on teenagers may be more serious than simply having a surge of extra energy. That's why it's important to talk to your teen about the potential dangers of drinking these popular products.
Too Much Caffeine
Energy drinks often contain as much caffeine as a cup of coffee -- and in some cases more. The danger of caffeine overdose is higher with energy drinks than with coffee, explains Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz, chairman of pediatrics at the University of Miami. This is because teens may quickly drink two or more energy drinks in a very short period of time, which typically doesn't happen with a cup of hot coffee. Caffeine overdose symptoms include confusion, irritability, insomnia, nervousness, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations. Severe cases may cause convulsions and breathing difficulty.
Other Potential Dangers
Energy drinks may contain potentially dangerous ingredients other than caffeine. For example, some contain herbal supplements that are not necessarily safe for teens. In addition, if your teenager is taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, interactions with these ingredients may occur. Most energy drinks also contain large amounts of sugar, which may cause weight gain. While an occasional energy drink is unlikely to do harm to a healthy teenager, they are potentially dangerous for kids with health conditions such as heart problems, ADHD, diabetes and psychological problems.
Energy Drinks and Alcohol
Some teens mix energy drinks with alcohol -- a practice that intensifies the risks of both substances. When your teenager drinks alcohol before or after an energy drink, he might feel less intoxicated than he would if he had not consumed it. This might prompt him to feel that drinking more alcohol is okay. It might also make him think that he's coherent enough to drive, even though his blood alcohol level is too high.
Sensible Alternatives
If your teen is drinking energy drinks to stay awake, first encourage her to get more sleep. The high energy that such a drink provides wears off in time, so getting caught up on sleep is a more effective and safe way of regaining energy. Also stress the importance of eating healthy foods, including whole grains and lean sources of protein, that will raise your teen's energy level naturally. Ask her to speak to you or her doctor before taking any supplements or energy drinks.
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