CHICAGO - Energy drinks are under-studied, over-exploited and can be dangerous for children and adolescents, warns a report by doctors who say that children should not use the most popular products.
The potential disadvantages, mainly caused by ingredients like caffeine or too much, include palpitations, seizures, stroke and even sudden death, the authors write in the medical journal Pediatrics. Reviewed the status of groups and interests, the scientific literature, case studies and articles in popular media and trade.
Dakota, Sailor, 18, a high school, Carl Junction, Mo., says the risks of energy drinks are not just a publicity stunt.
The sailor had a seizure and was hospitalized for five days last year after drinking two major energy drink - a mark that he had never tried before. He said his doctor thinks that caffeine or ingredients like caffeine may have been responsible.
The report indicates that some boxes have four to five times more caffeine than soft drinks, and Sailor said that some children, it can "drink four or five of them one day. It's just stupid. "
Sailor has given up the smoothness and other children, too.
The report's authors want pediatricians routinely ask patients and their parents about the use of energy drinks and warns against drinking them.
"We do not recommend routine use" by children and adolescents, said Dr. Steven Lipshultz, chairman of pediatrics at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He wrote the report with colleagues at the center.
The report indicates that energy drinks often contain ingredients that could increase the effects of caffeine or nerve disorders that can have other side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. He says they should be regulated as rigorously as snuff, alcohol and prescription drugs.
of energy drinks clinical report is expected soon from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which may contain instructions for doctors.
Dr. Marcie Schneider, a young medicine specialist in Greenwich, Conn., and member of the nutrition committee of the academy, welcomed the report Monday to raise awareness about the risks.
"These drinks are not helpful, no place in the diet of kids," said Schneider
