Energy drinks: serious consequences for young people, experts say

2023-07-15 05:47:20

As Canada increasingly calls energy drinks into question because of their high caffeine content, pediatricians and other health professionals are questioning the ease of access to these products, and especially the consequences of their consumption. for young people.

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Energy drinks are increasingly sold across the country, whether in convenience stores or in neighborhood grocery stores. Although a warning warns those under 18 once morest these drinks, which are contraindicated for them, these products are not as supervised as alcohol or cannabis.

Because of their quick energy-boosting effect, energy drinks can become the cause of quite problematic health cases, according to medical professionals quoted in a Global News article.

“In addition to containing a very large dose of caffeine for a child or adolescent, it is not uncommon for a person to consume more than one drink,” according to Dr. Anna Banerji, associate professor of pediatrics at the University. of Toronto and the School of Public Health.

“For them, it’s as if they had drunk six, seven or even eight cups of coffee in one can,” she adds.

Significant side effects

For people who suddenly stop drinking it following several drinks, a lack of caffeine might cause side effects, such as nervousness, sleep problems, irritability and anxiety.

According to a British Columbia medical information site, energy drinks might cause concerning side effects, such as headaches, nausea, insomnia or irregular heartbeat.

Dr. Banerji also points out that an energy drink contains a huge amount of sugar.

The contents of a can, however, may depend on the brand. For example, a Red Bull or a Monster can have 80 to 160 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. A cup of coffee contains 120 to 180 mg on average.

In some energy drinks, the amount of caffeine can even reach 300 mg.

Health Canada recommends that children and adolescents under the age of 18 consume a maximum of 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram (kg) of their body weight daily.

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