Popular energy drinks made with caffeine can be dangerous for children and teens, according to a report in the journal Pediatrics, which says young people shouldn't consume the beverages.
The report found that kids with diabetes, mood disorders and heart, kidney or liver diseases could suffer from heart palpitations, seizures, cardiac arrest or death from consuming the drinks, Bloomberg reported.
Pediatricians need to be aware of the possible effects of energy drinks, Dr. Steven Lipshultz, a pediatric cardiologist and co-author of the study, told Bloomberg.
Thirty percent to 50 percent of teens and young adults drink them, but, Lipshultz said, we didn't see evidence that drinks have beneficial effects in improving energy, weight loss, stamina, athletic performance and concentration, USA Today reported.
Lipshultz urged pediatricians to talk to children and their parents about the drinks and recommended that children not drink them.
We would discourage the routine use by children and teens, Lipshultz, the pediatrics chairman at the University of Miami's medical school, told The Associated Press.
The report says that the drinks are overused and that many of their ingredients are under-studied. The drinks typically have more caffeine than soda and may contain guarana, a caffeine-containing plant, as well as herbal supplements and sweeteners, USA Today says.
Full story: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/14/report-warns-energy-drinks-can-be-dangerous-for-kids/
The report found that kids with diabetes, mood disorders and heart, kidney or liver diseases could suffer from heart palpitations, seizures, cardiac arrest or death from consuming the drinks, Bloomberg reported.
Pediatricians need to be aware of the possible effects of energy drinks, Dr. Steven Lipshultz, a pediatric cardiologist and co-author of the study, told Bloomberg.
Thirty percent to 50 percent of teens and young adults drink them, but, Lipshultz said, we didn't see evidence that drinks have beneficial effects in improving energy, weight loss, stamina, athletic performance and concentration, USA Today reported.
Lipshultz urged pediatricians to talk to children and their parents about the drinks and recommended that children not drink them.
We would discourage the routine use by children and teens, Lipshultz, the pediatrics chairman at the University of Miami's medical school, told The Associated Press.
The report says that the drinks are overused and that many of their ingredients are under-studied. The drinks typically have more caffeine than soda and may contain guarana, a caffeine-containing plant, as well as herbal supplements and sweeteners, USA Today says.
Full story: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/14/report-warns-energy-drinks-can-be-dangerous-for-kids/
