Dietitian urges caution on energy drinks for teens

She says companies spend a lot on advertising energy drinks, using bright packaging and celebrity endorsements to make them more appealing.

Although these drinks can make you feel more alert for a short time, Moulechkova says the high caffeine content is worrying.

“One energy drink can contain up to 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is often more than the daily limit for teens,” she said.

Moulechkova says caffeine can impact different parts of a teen’s health and development.

She says having too much caffeine can mess with sleep, change your mood, and make it harder to focus. Some teens might also feel jittery, restless, get headaches, or have stomach aches.

“Too much caffeine can affect your sleep, mood and ability to focus,” she said. “Some teens feel jittery or restless, and it can also increase your heart rate.”

Moulechkova adds that the effects go beyond just physical symptoms. Not sleeping well or having trouble focusing can make it harder for teens to do well in school or take part in daily activities.

She says energy drinks can create a cycle where tired teens keep reaching for more caffeine, even though the caffeine might be the reason they aren’t sleeping well in the first place.

When talking to teens about energy drinks, Moulechkova suggests being curious and open instead of judging them.

by Dave Branco

Dietitian urges caution on energy drinks for teens

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