Energy Drinks Pack an Unhealthy Punch

Shine recently spoke with Matthew Haemer, MD, Pediatric Nutrition Fellow at Children's Hospital Colorado, about the health risks of energy drinks.

Shine: Should parents allow their children to drink energy drinks?

Dr. Haemer: While these drinks have become increasingly popular with older kids and athletes seeking a competitive edge, most energy drinks are loaded with caffeine. Too much caffeine can cause children to experience jitteriness, nervousness, upset stomach, headache and difficulty concentrating or sleeping. In addition, the added sugar and caffeine may pose a risk for obesity and spikes in blood pressure.

While the U.S. does not have guidelines for caffeine consumption in kids, exercise caution before purchasing an energy drink for your child by comparing nutrition labels and choosing a product that contains a smaller amount of caffeine.

Shine: If a teenager is participating in a triathlon, should he drink a power drink, such as Gatorade^®, to stay hydrated during the race?

Dr. Haemer: Your teen can benefit from drinking sports drinks if he or she participates in endurance sports that last longer than an hour, such as a triathlon, soccer or long-distance running. Because these drinks contain carbohydrates or sugar, they can provide an immediate source of energy when the body’s stores become depleted.

However, most young athletes do not need sports drinks or energy drinks. In fact, the average child athlete can get all of the required nutrients and hydration by eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water prior to, during and after physical activity.

If you have a question about your child’s health that you would like answered, e-mail us at mychildshealth@childrenscolorado.org.