Warning: Energy drinks not intended for children under 18 From Spotlight on Health - Summer 2012

While the label on the can warns against being consumed by children younger than 18, the growing $9-billion energy drink market has been embraced by the younger crowd with 30 to 50 percent of teens drinking them.

According to the May issue of American Academy of Pediatrics, energy drinks have no place in a child’s diet.

Energy drinks, besides containing high caffeine amounts, also may contain herbal supplements that can cause tremors, rapid heart rates and arrhythmias, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sleeplessness and anxiety. High levels of caffeine can be toxic. Nearly half of the 5,448 caffeine overdoses reported in 2007 in the United States occurred in those younger than 19 years old. For young people with diabetes, abnormal heart rate or mood disorders, energy drinks may be more dangerous, causing seizures, stroke and even sudden death.

While the Food and Drug Administration tightly regulates soft drinks and caffeine amounts, energy drinks are considered a dietary supplement and are not regulated.

Caffeine amounts:

• Coke = 71 mg
• Coffee (8 oz) = 100 mg
• Monster = 160 mg
• Jolt = 280 mg
• Rage = 400 mg