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Effects of Energy Drinks on Adolescents By: Joan Knoll, BPS Licensed Registered Dietitian Many teenagers and even young children enjoy getting a boost from Energy Drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Amp, NOS, Full Throttle, Rock Star, and many others. These contain caffeine, sugars and sweeteners, herbal supplements, and other ingredients and they are distinct from sports drinks and vitamin waters. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes energy drinks as ‘nutritional supplements’, these drinks are allowed to bypass the 71 mg of caffeine per 12 ounce limit which is regulated in sodas. Consequently, these drinks may contain 2.5 to 5 times more caffeine than a regular soda. The high concentration of caffeine in energy drinks can produce physical complications such as abnormal heart rhythms, rapid heart rate, dizziness, muscle twitching, insomnia, hallucinations, inability to concentrate, nausea and vomiting, and tooth decay. Furthermore, there has been an increase in emergency room visits from the consumption of energy drinks due to heart palpitations, dehydration, anxiety, seizures, acute mania and strokes. Several teen deaths, some involving only one, two, or three energy drinks, have been investigated by the FDA. In addition, the health community is concerned about the consumption of energy drinks particularly when they are ingested with alcohol. Again, deaths have occurred in teenagers and young adults who have mixed alcohol with energy drinks. Several studies indicate that people get more intoxicated and engage in riskier behavior when they drink the combination beverages than when they drink alcohol alone. This is due to the fact that caffeine masks the effects of alcohol, thereby deceiving drinkers into believing they can keep drinking alcohol well past the point of intoxication. Finally, research also suggests that energy drinks are associated with another health issue – risk taking. Among researchers, this is referred to as “toxic junk”, a hybrid of aggressive and risky behaviors including substance abuse, unprotected sex, and violence. Researchers emphasize that this observation does not mean the energy drinks cause bad behavior. Instead, the findings may suggest that consumption of energy drinks may be a red flag for parents that their children are more likely to take risks with their health and safety. In summary, energy drinks have no therapeutic benefit in a child’s diet and many ingredients are understudied and not regulated. In addition, they have no nutritional value and are loaded with caffeine and sugar. The best sources of fluid are water, nonfat or low fat milk, and small amounts of 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Keep soda pop, fruit punch, diet drinks, and even flavored water to a minimum in your child’s diet.