Can Kids Drink Energy Drinks? What Are the Risks?

Energy drinks have been popular not just among adults but increasingly among kids and teens. That's why, when you walk into any store near a school, you'll find an entire wall lined with canned drinks, all promising "energy boosts."

Despite their popularity, major health authorities are raising red flags about energy drinks, especially for children. In short:

Energy drinks are not good for kids

1Expert Recommendations

In truth, many health organizations and child health experts agree on this: energy drinks are not appropriate for children or teens.

American Academy of Pediatrics & Canadian Pediatric Society:

Pediatricians from the AAP and CPS state that stimulant-containing energy drinks are unnecessary in children's or adolescents' daily lives. Regular intake may increase risks like obesity, dental erosion, and negative effects on growth and development.

Academy, AAPD, AAP, and AHA:

(Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Heart Association)

They developed evidence-based recommendations for kids aged 5-18, which suggest that sugar-sweetened beverages (energy drinks included) should be avoided.

Doctors from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Both Victoria L. Vetter, MD, and Maryam Y. Naim, MD emphasize that energy drinks' high caffeine levels pose real risks to youth and recommend stricter regulation.

Professor of Emergency Medicine:

Dr. Holstege also warns that the high caffeine dose in energy drinks can cause health complications, particularly for children with underlying conditions or those on medication.

Pediatrician:

Dr. JJ Levenstein also discussed why popular energy drinks could be dangerous for children in a YouTube video.

2Real Reviews from Reddit Users

"There's literally no nutritional value, and the amount of caffeine and sugar is just insane for a developing body. Let them be a kid. They don't need a can of heart palpitations to get through middle school." -- from Troakova.

"I know this is gonna be an unpopular opinion in this sub, but you really shouldn't be drinking energy drinks under the age of 18. They can lead to early heart problems if you drink too many." -- from jjpwedges.

"If the child wants caffeine, let them drink a coke or smth not a monster or energy drink. This is not ok." -- from No-Manufacturer5023.

"They really are horrible for you, my ex husband would buy them for our son when he was 11 until now (turned 15 this week) and his doctor said stop it asap." -- from Ihaveaboobybaby.

"I'd say no kids should be allowed energy drinks. I am 17 and started drinking those Alani energy drinks. They taste very good, but I started to get very sick. I'm not sure if that's why or not, but I felt better when I stopped drinking them." -- from IsopodKey2040.

What Are Energy Drinks, Exactly?

Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages designed to boost energy and reduce fatigue. They belong to "functional beverages" and usually contain:

• Caffeine: This is the main energy, which typically ranges from 80 mg to 300 mg per serving. This is equal to one to four shots of espresso.



Caffeine Levels by Common Energy Drink Brands

• Sugar or artificial sweeteners: A single energy drink often contains 50 to 80 grams of sugar (roughly 12 to 20 teaspoons), which is well over the daily limit for children.
• Stimulants: Taurine, guarana, or ginseng are usually added to enhance the effects of caffeine and increase physical performance.
• B vitamins: Energy drinks often use vitamin B to suggest a health benefit because it can help the body convert carbohydrates and reduce fatigue.

Energy Drinks vs. Sports Drinks

Some parents and kids may mistake energy drinks and sports drinks, but they serve very different purposes:

Why Are Energy Drinks Bad for Kids?

Various Risks of Excessive Caffeine Intake

As we stated above, energy drinks often contain far more caffeine than soda and espresso. The high doses of caffeine can trigger sleep disruption, increased heart rate and blood pressure, jitters, headaches, and nausea.

Additionally, poor sleep can even push kids into a cycle of needing even more caffeine or energy drinks the next day.

Dr. Holstege also notes that caffeine, as a stimulant, is associated with anxiety and even seizures or heart rhythm issues.

Sugar and Dental Health Concerns

There is no doubt that excessive sugar can cause tooth decay.

Though some energy drinks promise to be sugar-free, they just don't use natural sugars but artificial sweeteners. That is, they can still erode your kids' tooth enamel and cause cavities.

What's worse, the massive sugar intake forces the pancreas to pump out insulin, which, over time, can increase the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity.

What If Your Child Has Had Energy Drinks

1Hydrate

To help their body flush out the caffeine naturally, encourage them to drink more water. This supports the kidneys as they process the stimulants.

And more importantly, ensure they don't finish the can or have any other caffeinated drinks (like soda, coffee, or tea) for the rest of the day.

2Avoid Physical Strain

Do not let them go to sports practice or perform intense exercise. Their heart rate and blood pressure might already be elevated after drinking energy drinks; adding physical exertion can lead to dangerous cardiac stress.

3Know When Should Seek Medical Attention

Anything in excess in a short period of time can cause side effects. For example, a healthy 54-year-old man suffered a stroke after consuming eight energy drinks last year.

If your child consumed several cans of energy drinks in a day, you should seek the ER if your child shows extreme symptoms like:

• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Vomiting
• Significant shakiness

4Use It as a Teaching Opportunity

If your child has tried an energy drink, it can be a helpful chance to start a conversation rather than panic or punishment.

• Start by helping your child understand how energy drinks differ from sports drinks; they are beverages with high levels of caffeine and stimulants.
• Then, explain how caffeine, sugar, and stimulants can affect their bodies, such as by increasing heart rate or making it harder to fall asleep.
• Lastly, offer food or drinks that actually support energy and focus, such as icy water, milk, balanced meals, or enough sleep.

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