Caffeine in sports, energy drinks can be dangerous

Sports and energy drinks are gaining popularity, thanks in some part to an increased presence on social media channels such as YouTube. The advertising and videos connected to these drinks have impacted their millions of young social media followers. Many of these products have hundreds of milligrams of caffeine, which is becoming a concern for parents, families and health care professionals. “Parents should know that caffeine in any amount can impact young people much more strongly than adults,” said Dr. Sneha Subbarayan, a ThedaCare pediatrician. “It’s also important to truly understand how much caffeine is in a specific drink. For example, some of these drinks have 100-200 milligrams of caffeine. A can of caffeinated soda has about 30 milligrams.” Energy drinks generally contain stimulants such as caffeine and guarana, a plant product which contains caffeine. These drinks also may contain sodium, vitamins, minerals and sugar protein. The American Academy of Pediatrics said some energy drinks can contain up to 14 times the level of caffeine found in some sodas. Rapid consumption of about 1,200 milligrams of caffeine can cause toxic effects such as seizures in adults, the FDA said. Children, teens and adults can experience a range of effects from caffeine over-consumption including insomnia or trouble getting to sleep, headaches or dizziness, nausea or lack of appetite, anxiety and rapid or irregular heart rate, hyperactivity and increased energy, jumpiness and increased stress hormones, dysphoria (unhappiness) and impaired concentration. “Overconsumption of highly caffeinated drinks can cause toxicity in the body, and even death,” said Subbarayan. In May 2023, a British primary school student suffered a cardiac episode following drinking an energy drink. Kids with pre-existing conditions also can be at greater risk for caffeine-related health problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages any consumption of stimulants including caffeine by children, and energy drinks are never recommended for children under age 12. “Water is the best drink for children,” Subbarayan said. “Adolescents should limit caffeine consumption to a maximum of 100 milligrams per day.” Additionally, people can become physically dependent or addicted to stimulants. The FDA currently recommends that healthy adults can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, though people on certain medications or who have certain conditions (including pregnancy) should talk to their providers about whether it’s safe to consume caffeine. Sports drinks are different from energy drinks, but also should be consumed with caution. They are flavored beverages that normally contain minerals, vitamins, nutrients and electrolytes, and for young people who participate in athletics, the drinks can help rehydrate them after intense activity. “Sports drinks are not recommended as a substitute for water, however, because they can have a high caloric content, and they are sometimes high in sugar, which contributes to obesity,” Subbarayan said. “Additionally, the citric acid in some sports drinks can lead to dental erosion if consumed frequently.” Children and adolescents likely consume some caffeine daily as the stimulant can be found in foods and drinks like chocolate, soda, tea and ice cream. “Always check product labels of the drinks your children consume to ensure they are caffeine-free or contain reasonable amounts if your children are over age 12,” she said. “Keep in mind that many caffeinated drinks also contain sweeteners, which also should be limited to protect your child’s health and well-being.” Overconsumption of sugary drinks can lead to obesity. Almost 20% of children and teens in the United States were obese between 2017 and 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Talk to your kids about caffeine, sugar and nutrition and help them to understand the risks of the drinks they may be asking for,” Subbarayan said. “Read food labels with your child, and when they’re old enough, teach them to compare items to make informed choices.”