Health experts say kids, energy drinks not a good mix

For younger people looking for a quick jolt or pick-me-up by sipping on an energy drink, health experts advise them to think again.

Research from the American Heart Association and the Academy of American Pediatrics shows those drinks and young children don't mix.

"Though there is a growing trend of marketing energy drinks to children and adolescents, it is not a good idea for them to drink," says Eric Thompson, a spokesman with the American Heart Association. "There has been a lot of research that shows these drinks can have hazardous effects on them. It just isn't necessary."

Before taking a swig of another energy drink, Thompson says people should look at the information available on the subject.

The Academy of American Pediatrics released the report "Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children: Are They Appropriate?" in 2011.

"There is a lot of confusion about sports drinks and energy drinks and adolescents are often unaware of the difference in these products," Dr. Marcie Beth Schneider says in the report she co-authored.

Caffeine has been linked to several harmful health effects in children including neurologic and cardiovascular systems, according to the report.

In general, the report says caffeine-containing beverages should be avoided by the young.

Although caffeine poisoning can occur at levels of 440 milligrams per day or higher in adults, it can occur in adolescents at 100 milligrams.

But it is not just regular caffeine. Some energy drinks contain pharmaceutical-grade caffeine that can cause the heart to race and blood pressure to increase, according to the American Heart Association.

Many of the ingredients listed on cans haven't been tested for safety in children.

Thompson says energy drinks have been shown to have adverse effects on children.

According to a report from the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, more than 40 percent of 5,156 calls in 2014 to various poison control centers nationwide involved children younger than 6 and energy drinks .

"In many cases, poison control centers have reported that some of those incidences, there have been serious cardiac and neurological symptoms because of energy drinks," Thompson says.

Other reports from the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions say that energy drinks in general have been linked to increased blood pressure and disturbed heart rhythm.

Above all, experts from both organizations say energy drinks only provide temporary relief.

"The effects they feel from energy drinks are only temporary," Thompson says. "You're going to crash after a certain amount of time. There are alternative ways to get energy that are more effective."

Instead of relying on energy drinks, the American Heart Association provides other tips for getting a quick boost such as eating better, getting more sleep, reducing stress, losing weight or even increasingy physical activity, which has long-term benefits.

Experts also suggest drinking more water or even lying down for a 20-minute nap if possible.

Contact reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5201. Find him on Twitter: @mjlyle.