Energy drinks have rapidly gained popularity among the young generation since its introduction to the United States in 1997, especially among those in middle and high school, whom the energy drink market actually targets although its targets can include those who are as old as 34 years old.
I have seen a boy of probably 8 or 9 years old with a can of energy drink, which I thought would be very high in caffeine content. My initial thought on the sight was, 'Would he need those?' but later I started to wonder if it would be beneficial or detrimental to his health for him to drink the energy drink on a regular basis (yes, I see him with a can with a big brown 'M' almost every time I see him, which is once a week).
Maybe, he likes the taste of the coffee flavored energy drink. I don't blame - although I deeply regret developing this habit - because I have been drinking coffee since before I can remember. My mother told me she had fed me with some when I was 2 and that I liked it, making it a joy for her to feed me with coffee. I'm sure she had no ill intention in letting me drink it, but the fact is: I'm addicted to caffeine to this date, I have some heart problems and chronic insomnia - and there may be more.
Caffeine: Do They Need This Much?
The majority of energy drinks in the market contain caffeine, taurine, herbal extracts and vitamins. Studies have shown no adverse effects resulting from consumption of taurine, herbal extracts and vitamins, especially B-vitamins from the mainstream energy drinks. However, care should be taken about the level of caffeine consumption, especially by young children.
There can be any number of reasons for people to drink energy drinks. When do young children need energy drinks, though? Athletic kids might need extra energy boosters. Studious kids who are working toward specific academic goals might need mental sharpness, too. So, why is there an increasing deal of concern about consumption of energy drinks in regard to caffeine consumption?
Mainstream energy drinks in the market contain caffeine as their primary active ingredient, and their caffeine content can be higher than coffee, tea or soda. For example, most of 8 oz. of Monster Energy Drinks contain approximately 80mg of caffeine while typical brewed coffee, which contains more caffeine than instant and of course, decaffeinated coffee, has its caffeine content which ranges from 60 to 120mg per 8 oz. cup. The caffeine content of brewed coffee varies greatly depending on the kinds of the coffee beans, blends and the roast level. To learn more, please refer to the references of this article.
Beware Toxidromes
What does caffeine do? Although effects of caffeine are still under study, caffeine is clinically categorized as a type of drug and its toxicity can be accumulated to cause various adverse effects. Some studies show that moderate caffeine consumption at the level of 3 to 6mg/body weight kg increases cognitive performance and mood, and decreases physical fatigue, but when chronically consumed in excessive amount, it prompts specific toxidromes, which include headaches, anxiety, agitation, perioral and extremity tingling, irregular heart rate, seizures, nausea, bowel inconsistency, anorexia and so forth.
Remember that the adequate amount of caffeine consumption is determined by the body weight of the consumer. This means that young children typically won't need as much caffeine as adults do to gain favorable effects from it. Also, caffeine consumption can become habitual, more likely so if a person starts it at an early age. Another thing peculiar to children is that they might like energy drinks because most of them are loaded with sugar and taste 'good', not to mention they feel 'better' and energetic, but this contribute to child obesity and cavities.
What To Do?
If you have children who need energy, or are the children who have been favoring energy drinks, better alternatives to them that are worth trying may be good night sleep, balanced diet full of nutrients and some exercise - simple as that.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References
M.A. Heckman, K. Sherry and E Gonzalez de Mejia, 'Energy Drinks: An Assessment of Their Market Size, Consumer Demographics, Ingredient Profile, Functionality, and Regulations in the United States' Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety' Vol. 9, 2010
Kids' Health, 'Energy Drinks', accessed on October 17, 2011
Mayo Clinic, 'Caffeine Content for coffee, tea, soda and more', accessed on October 17, 2011,
Energy Fiend,'Caffeine Content of Drinks', accessed on October 17, 2011,
Medspace, 'Caffeine Toxicity Clinical Presentation', accessed on October 17, 2011,
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