Energy Drinks Pose Health Risks to Adolescents

The article, “Energy Drinks: What Teenagers (and Their Doctors) Should Know,” is published in the Feb. 1 issue of the journal. Top-selling energy drinks contain high, unregulated amounts of caffeine, as well as other stimulants that can enhance the effects of caffeine.

Caffeine can produce harmful health effects in adolescents, including cardiovascular problems, anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, dehydration, and others. Energy drinks mixed with alcohol present serious potential for harm and abuse.

Medical providers are advised to ask teenage patients whether they consume energy drinks, to discuss the dangers of energy drinks alone and mixed with alcohol, and to be aware of the symptoms of energy drink consumption.