- Researchers report that children who drink energy drinks might be at higher risk for ADHD, depression, poor sleep quality, and poor academic performance.
- They say that high levels of caffeine and sugar are the most likely reasons for this risk, although other stimulants could play a role.
- Experts say more regulation is needed to prevent young children from drinking energy drinks and that parents are key to helping their kids adopt better habits.
Energy drinks might seem like a harmless indulgence for youngsters, but new research published in the journal Public Health suggests they’re anything but — especially in large quantities.
After a systematic review of 57 previous studies covering 1.2 million children in 21 countries, researchers from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom reported that energy drink consumption among young people is linked to poor sleep quality and short sleep duration as well as lower academic performance compared to non-energy drinkers.
Energy drink consumption was also associated with increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, psychological distress, depression, anxiety, insulin resistance, and dental issues.
Furthermore, this study, which was an update to a 2016 review, also affirmed the previous study’s findings of a strong positive correlation between drinking energy drinks and smoking, alcohol use, binge drinking, and other substance use.
Cesar Sauza, a registered dietitian nutritionist at ehproject.org who was not involved in the research, praised the study’s design and said the findings echo what he’s seen in his own practice.
“The results are not surprising,” Sauza told Medical News Today. “In clinical practice I have seen energy drinks affect children negatively with their academic performance, likely due to altered sleep. Another reason the findings are not surprising is that most energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine, both of which have negative effects on children when…
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