After Panera's Charged Lemonades were sued for killing two people, caffeinated energy drinks' health risks have come under scrutiny. Energy drinks for kids should be banned nationwide, according to some experts.
Energy drinks' effects on kids and teens have worried parents and researchers. It turns out those worries were justified. A British public-health research center found that energy drinks harm children more than many think.
The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Fuse, used data from 57 studies with over 1.2 million subjects in 21 countries. They found that regular energy drink consumption increased the risk of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They believe there are many other risks.
The 2016 review's lead author, Amelia Lake, told Fox News, “We have found an even greater list of mental and physical health outcomes associated with children and young people consuming energy drinks.”
“This evidence suggests that energy drinks have no place in children and youth diets,” Lake said. Policymakers should emulate countries that restrict sales to children.
UCLA health officials recently warned about adolescent caffeine dependence. They said teens choose energy drinks because of their colorful packaging, candy-like flavors, and targeted marketing.
UCLA officials specifically mentioned YouTube influencer Logan Paul and his energy drink brand Prime, which has been criticized for its high caffeine content. The 200 mg serving in each 350 ml may exceed Canada, Australia, and New Zealand's caffeine limits.
The UCLA study said that if "it is necessary to consume caffeine, natural sources of caffeine, such as plain tea and coffee without added sugars, are likely healthier choices, as they are free from the additives found in energy drinks."
The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and other health experts support a nationwide ban on energy drink sales to minors.