Health Matters: Too Much Caffeine in Energy Drinks are Harming Teenagers

Caffeine, most of us drink it on a daily basis and some can’t function without it, like myself but new research is finding too much caffeine, particularly in energy drinks, are harming the teenagers that drink it.

A new study by the Journal of Pediatrics finds that teenagers are drinking more and more of the stuff. In 2003, 16 percent of teens consumed these energy boosters and in 2008, the energy drinking population grew to 35 percent.

Health officials are encouraging the Food and Drug Administration to look into the harmful effects of these drinks after young adults have suffered heart attacks and even death.

Consumer Reports recently tested the caffeine levels in 27 popular energy drinks. While an average 8 ounce cup of coffee contains around 100 milligrams of caffeine, the popular 5 Hour Energy Extra Strength packs 242 milligrams of caffeine in a 1.9 ounce serving size.

And most of these drinks contain more than one serving.

Eleven of the 27 beverages did not accurately list its ingredients, but the FDA does not require these beverages to list its caffeinated contents.

The effects of these beverages can cause insomnia, increased blood pressure, dehydration, digestive issues and heart related problems. Mix these drinks with alcohol and the problems only intensify.

While safe caffeine consumption levels are still being studied, adults can drink up to 400 milligrams a day, pregnant women can drink 200 mg and for children, 45 to 85 depending on body composition.

Reporting on Health Matters, I’m Lyssa Hansen.