Energy Drinks and the Hidden Health Risks for Young People

Energy drinks are widely consumed among youth who crave a quick injection of energy. Easy to find in their modern packaging and forceful boasts of increased performance, they're easy to find and easy to succumb to as well. But growing evidence suggests that these caffeine-infused beverages are not as safe as assumed, especially among children and teenagers.

Current studies have been sounding some dire warnings, linking energy drink consumption to a variety of physical and mental ailments, from kidney and cardiac complications to depression and anxiety.

Caffeine overloading: A growing teen concern

A British report found that nearly 31 percent of adolescents use energy drinks regularly. Dietitian Annabel Gipp, writing for the British Dietetic Association, warns that overuse of caffeine in adolescents can lead to:

• High blood pressure

• Sleep cycle disruption

• Severe headaches

• Stomach upset

• Even hyperactivity-related trauma.

She also suggests that caffeine can interfere with calcium consumption at critical periods of bone development, which could have long-term consequences. In addition to these immediate effects, Gipp stresses the long-term implications: "Adolescence is a critical period for bone development, and caffeine has been shown to hinder calcium absorption in the small intestine, potentially resulting in lower calcium deposition in bones. This detrimental effect is exacerbated when energy drinks are consumed in place of calcium-rich alternatives like milk."

Shocking findings: What the science says.

A 2023 review in the journal Nutrients reviewed 18 studies on participants under the age of 18. And what they found was surprising:

• 45% of the reported cases involved heart complications, such as heart arrhythmia and arterial hypertension

• 33% reported neuropsychiatric complications.

• 22% reported health complications involving the kidneys.

One of the reported cases involved a young, healthy man who suffered from serious heart complications after consuming only 80mg of caffeine, which is below the amount found in some of the most common energy drinks. 

Kidney damage and psychological risks

They also have high levels of taurine, which the kidneys metabolize. This, coupled with the inclusion of added sugars, makes individuals susceptible to chronic kidney disease.

Their psychiatric state is not neglected either. A systematic review article published in Public Health examined statistics from more than 1.2 million individuals from 21 nations. The conclusion formed a strong correlation between energy drinks and their increased risk of:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Stress

• Suicidal ideation

Newcastle University's Dr. Shelina Visram said the findings were "extremely worrying" and called for rapid regulatory intervention to protect young people.  

Call for regulation and healthier choices

Despite a decade of warnings, energy drinks are widely available to children, sometimes costing less than 25p, which is cheaper than bottled water. Professor Amelia Lake, co-author of the study, criticised marketing tactics that target children with promises of performance enhancement while downplaying health risks.

She further noted, "We have raised alarms about the health consequences of these drinks for nearly a decade, highlighting that they are sold to children as young as ten years old for prices as low as 25 pence—cheaper than bottled water."

Healthy energy alternatives that actually work.

If you’re looking for a natural energy boost, there are plenty of safe options:

• Hydration: water, coconut water, and natural fruit juice

• Food-based energy: dark chocolate, nuts, bananas, and goji berries

• Tea: a blend of green tea and herbs

• Smoothies: leafy greens, fruit, and protein blended

• Lifestyle: Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and take care of stress.

Even mild dehydration can sap your energy and concentration. Staying hydrated and nourished are the keys to long-term energy and vitality.

Protecting Young Bodies and Minds

A healthy diet, exercise, and showing up can accomplish more for your energy than all the caffeine and sugar in the world. Let's revisit what we reach for when we're tired and invest in habits that will result in long-term, sustainable health.

Reference:

1. British Dietetic Association. "Energy Drinks and Young People." British Dietetic Association, accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/energy-drinks-and-young-people.html.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)