Can Kids Have Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks are liquids high in caffeine and other compounds such as sugar, herbal supplements, sweeteners, vitamins, and taurine.

Energy drinks claim to boost your energy, concentration, stamina, athletic performance and even help you lose weight. However, there are few studies to back up these assertions. Indeed, these products have been connected to a slew of adverse effects, raising doubts of if they are certainly safe to take.

Are energy drinks safe for children?

Caffeine levels in energy drinks are excessive and uncontrolled. Therefore, children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 must not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day, comparable to one cup of coffee.

Caffeine levels in energy drinks range from 50 mg to 500 mg per serving. As a result, caffeine consumption by youngsters can have a variety of adverse health repercussions. Some of these side effects are severe enough to necessitate medical attention.

What are the consequences of energy drinks on a child’s health?

Drinking energy drinks puts children and teenagers at an increased risk of experiencing adverse side effects. Palpitations, insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures are only a few of them. In addition, children who used more energy drinks were more likely to consume alcohol or binge drink, smoke or use other substances, and engage in hyperactivity and other risky behaviors.

This was all associated with self-destructive conduct, challenges with behavioral management and other social skills, and bad lifestyle habits such as junk food consumption. In addition, the high sugar content of these drinks causes tooth decay, obesity, weight gain or overweight, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the long run.

Caffeine in large doses can cause severe heart and blood vessel problems such as elevated heart rate, irregular heartbeats, and hypertension. In addition, caffeine may hurt children’s immune and nervous systems, which are still developing.

Children and adolescents may consume these drinks without control in some instances. They consume many bottles every day, which can be fatal. The immediate concerns of unregulated energy drinks include caffeine intoxication, sleep problems, caffeine withdrawal symptoms, dehydration, and anxiety.

Energy drink alternatives

Rather than bringing energy drinks into the house, give these healthier options a try. Having these drinks on hand is beneficial for health and sets a positive example for children and teenagers.

• Coconut water – Coconut water is very refreshing and healthy. Coconut water is extremely hydrating, making it an ideal beverage to consume when participating in sports or other activities
• Smoothies- Smoothies made using fruits. Smoothies with fruit can provide a boost of energy for your kids throughout the day or before a sports game. The natural sugar in the fruit will increase their energy levels, while the fiber in the fruit will assist in prolonging the energy boost by allowing the sugar to enter the bloodstream slowly.
• Apple cider vinegar- Apple cider vinegar contains amino acids that help prevent lactic acid buildup in the body due to exercise. Because too much lactic acid might make you tired, apple cider vinegar functions as an energy booster. To make a delightful and healthy drink, combine it with raw honey and water.
• Seltzer water that hasn’t been sweetened and is flavored with fruit essences.
• Plain water with chopped lemons or berries infusion

Energy drinks are caffeinated beverages with high sugar that children and teenagers should avoid. Consumption of such drinks can harm their health in the short and long run. As a result, encourage your child to avoid energy drinks. Instead, drink healthy liquids like homemade vegetable juice with sugar, coconut milk, or buttermilk, which are nutritious enough to help your child grow and develop.

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