It is crucial for parents to monitor their children’s caffeine intake, as it could cause adverse effects to pediatric health.The popularity of energy drinks has surged among teenagers and children, despite ongoing concerns among its health effects. Whether waking up exhausted, having trouble focusing on a task or wanting to improve performance, many turn to energy drinks to provide them with that energy boost they need to complete their day.
While caffeinated drinks provide an energy boost, they can also cause adverse effects on pediatric health. University of Alabama at Birmingham expert Austin Oslock, M.D., assistant professor and pediatrician at the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and Children’s of Alabama, shares his insight on the effects of energy drinks and caffeine consumption in young adolescents.
What ingredients provide that “energy boost” in energy drinks?
While caffeine is the primary and stimulating ingredient, energy drinks contain many other “energy-boosting” ingredients such as sugar, ginseng, B vitamins, taurine and more.
“Overall, evidence that non-caffeine ingredients meaningfully boost energy is minimal, and their combined effects on humans are not well studied,” Oslock said. “Sugar is often a main ingredient and contributes to the energy sensation; but increased sugar also carries risks of dental erosion, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.”
How does caffeine affect the body?
For adults, caffeine can be beneficial for fatigue, pain management for headaches and for endurance sports such as cross-country running. However, there is much more evidence on its harmful effects in children, Oslock says.
When caffeine enters the bloodstream, it blocks adenosine receptors, the brain’s natural “slow down” signal that causes tiredness. By blocking adenosine receptors, the central and peripheral nervous systems are stimulated, resulting in increased alertness and reduced fatigue.
According to Oslock, short-term effects of caffeine consumption can include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Palpitations/arrythmia, abnormal heart rhythms
- Increased urine output
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and jitteriness
- Abdominal pain
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and adolescents never consume energy drinks and that caffeine has no place in young children’s diet.
Children are most affected by caffeine because of their lack of tolerance for it. In caffeine- sensitive individuals, including children, intoxication symptoms can appear after only one energy drink containing approximately 200 milligrams of caffeine.
Higher doses of caffeine greater than 200 milligrams or 2.5 milligrams per kilogram per day have been associated with mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and irritability; poorer academic performance; and potential future drug and cigarette use.
A systematic review of the cardiac risk of caffeine in children found that caffeine was associated with a variety of abnormal heart rhythms; but this was mostly with high-dose sources such as energy drinks, powders and tablets.
Individuals who have underlying heart conditions are at most risk for abnormal rhythms associated with caffeine consumption.
The highest-risk group of pediatric patients to consume caffeine regularly includes those with a family history of heart disease, specifically abnormal heart rhythms or teens with mental health disorders.
Are zero sugar energy drinks “safer” for consumption?
Sugar-free energy drinks may seem like the healthier option, but it does not change or reduce the effects of caffeine. For children, the AAP does not endorse the use of sugar-free products.
According to Oslock, removing sugar reduces the risk of dental cavities and obesity; but the effects of energy drinks driven primarily by caffeine and a stimulant mixture, not sugar. For those who are seeking healthier beverage options, Oslock states that water is always best.
How can parents help their children not be addicted to caffeine?
“The best thing is to not allow your children to begin consuming caffeine from the start,” Oslock said. “If your child has been consuming caffeine regularly, and you suspect they may be having an adverse effect, then I would recommend stopping caffeine consumption to monitor for improvement of their symptoms.”
If a child is consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, Oslock advises parents to always seek emergent medical attention if they spot any “red flag” symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Syncope, or passing out
- Abnormal heart rate or palpitations
- Seizures
Parents can look for other adverse effects or signs of excess caffeine consumption, including:
- Agitation/anxiety
- High heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Restlessness
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Children who regularly consume caffeine can develop dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms, particularly headaches, fatigue, depressed mood, difficulty focusing and nausea. While these symptoms are not dangerous, they can be bothersome.
Oslock recommends for children who have been consuming over 200 milligrams of caffeine or one large energy drink daily, parents should consider tapering them off caffeine over one or two weeks to limit withdrawal symptoms.
What are “energy boost” alternatives for children and adolescents?
“The best evidence for increasing energy in children and teenagers is not a ‘quick fix,’ supplement or energy product,” Oslock said. “Instead, it is focusing on good health behaviors.”
A few ways to improve energy in children are:
- Sleep: Elementary school age children should get at least nine hours of sleep (9-12 hours), and teens should get at least eight (8-10 hours).
- Exercise: 60 minutes of exercise a day improves energy and mood.
- Water and nutrition: Increasing water intake and ensuring three meals a day can help improve energy levels. For athletes, the AAP recommends drinking water only.
Source: www.uab.edu
