Experts: Energy drinks, alcohol and teens shouldn't mix

[Jazzy]

The caffeinated contents of energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster can be dangerous for teens, especially when combined with alcohol, new research confirms.



A report, published on Feb. 1 on Pediatrics in Review, reiterated that energy drinks can cause insomnia, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, anxiety and obesity among other issues which can be exasperated by alcohol.



Other side effects include concerning behaviors, which can include drunk driving and risky sexual behavior.



I don't think there is any sensationalism going on here. These drinks can be dangerous for teens, review lead author Dr. Kwabena Blankson, a U.S. Air Force major and an adolescent medicine specialist at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., told HealthDay. They contain too much caffeine and other additives that we don't know enough about. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are better ways to get energy.



Drinking just one caffeinated beverage mixed with alcohol can be the same as drinking a bottle of wine and several cups of coffee, according to the study. Sixteen-ounce energy drinks have about 160 mg of caffeine, compared to one average cup of coffee which only contains 100 mg. More than 100 mg a day of caffeine is unhealthy for teens, Blankson told HealthDay. Other additives like sugar, ginseng and guarana boost the caffeinated effects in the energy drinks.



We don't know what these additives do to the body after periods of extended use, Blankson said.

Full article with videos



Wouldn't this combo be just as dangerous to adults?

Topic question: Have any of you ever mixed an energy drink with alcohol?

 

[Sinon]

Children and teens are more susceptible as they have not yet finished developing, both physically and mentally.



I have mixed alcohol and energy drinks, but I'm not stupid enough to have sex or drive after doing so.

 

[Evil Eye]

I don't drink energy drinks in the first place, so no.

Wouldn't this combo be just as dangerous to adults?

I doubt it's very good for anyone...

 

[seasidemike]

Full article with videos



Wouldn't this combo be just as dangerous to adults?

Topic question: Have any of you ever mixed an energy drink with alcohol?

Yes... and found myself the next morning at 8am playing golf.. no idea how or why.. but I was actually having a good game

 

[DrLeftover]

Once upon a time we made the equivalent cocktail ourselves to pull all nighters on production night at a weekly newspaper.



Half and Half mix of Mountain Dew and Yukon Jack (100 proof Canadian whiskey) in a large cup, then wash down a Myadec multi vitamin with it.



The booze, the caffeine, the sugar, and the B vitamins all hit you about the same time.



You were drunk, wide awake, very focused, and productive for at least the next twelve hours.



Had we known it, we would have patented it then and all been retired millionaires now.