Doctors are seeing more negative reactions from kids and teens consuming energy drinks. Learn why children are more susceptible.
With the increasing popularity of energy drinks, doctors are seeing more and more cases of negative reactions experienced by the kids and teenagers who consume them. Although energy drinks contain ingredients that many believe to be relatively harmless in smaller quantities, many kids and teens — as well as adults — consume large amounts as they are either unaware or unconcerned with the potential harmful effects.
Why Kids Are More at Risk
Doctors warn that kids and teens are more susceptible to the effects of energy drinks due to their smaller and more sensitive growing bodies, much more than adults. Researchers also warn that many energy drinks contain a large mixture of vitamins and herbal extracts that may cause side effects that are not always adequately understood.
A Massive and Growing Market
With the energy drink market expected to reach $9 billion just in the U.S., it's not surprising that energy drink manufacturers are downplaying reports warning about the hazards of energy drink consumption in the young. Kids and young adults account for half of this market.
What Experts Recommend
Experts recommend kids and teens quench their thirst with water or, if they're a young athlete training hard, consider a sports drink that contains sugar — so long as it's consumed in moderation.
Source: Pediatrics, online May 30, 2011. Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2011
