Energy Drinks Pose Worrisome Risks to Adolescents' Cardiovascular Health.

Abstract

Although studies by numerous investigators and reports from major medical societies have raised health-related concerns about the consumption of energy drinks by youth, manufacturers of the products continue to market them to children younger than the age of 18 years. Many parents, teens, and healthcare professionals are often left wondering how serious the risks of such a readily available beverage might be, and what additional studies are needed. “The research on energy drinks is in its very early stages, so there is a lot we don’t know about their effects,” said Jennifer Harris, PhD, MBA, Director of Marketing Initiatives at the University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. “But what we do know is disturbing, especially when they are consumed by youth.” Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, and ingredients such as taurine, guarana, ginseng, l-carnitine, inositol, B vitamins, and glucuronolactone. In contrast, energy shots do not contain sugar, but caffeine and other stimulants are highly concentrated. Research funded by energy drink manufacturers indicate that these products are safe when consumed as intended by teenagers and …