Are Energy Drinks Safe?
This article outlines what energy drinks really are, how they affect you, etc. The main point of this article is the very thing we are fighting for; an age restriction for anyone under the age of 16 when purchasing energy drinks.
Who should avoid energy drinks?
Children. The Australian Consumers' Association advises that while energy drinks may be scientifically safe, young people especially need to be aware of their contents. Research shows that children and young people who consume energy drinks may suffer sleep problems, bed-wetting and anxiety. Children who consume two or more cans of energy drinks a day may become irritable and anxious.
When thinking about whether or not to allow your child to consume energy drinks, it is useful to consider the follow factors:
Would you be comfortable with your child drinking a cup of strong coffee?
Most energy drinks contain around the same amount of caffeine as a strong cup of coffee, and nearly twice as much as in a cola drink.
Are you concerned about your child's sugar intake?
Some energy drinks, such as Red Bull, contain high amounts of sugar (equal to around 5 teaspoons per 250 ml can).
Will the drink enhance your child's well-being, or is it potentially harmful?
There is little (if any) evidence of nutritional value in most energy drinks. Some energy drinks are said to include natural vitamins and minerals, but these can be easily obtained from simple foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
How old is your child?
Very little is known about the health effects of caffeine, so it is best to avoid giving children under age 10 products containing caffeine, especially energy drinks. Older children and young people should be careful, too. The human brain continues to grow up to about age 16 (some say age 21). We know that caffeine can affect a growing brain, but we don't as yet know how.
