Ban the Canned Caffeine
By Stephen Restaino, DO
Energy drinks have names like punk rock bands for good reason. They are marketed specifically to teenagers.
And while they may look like soda, their effects are more similar to a strong cup of coffee. A cup of
drip coffee has between 120 and 150 mg of caffeine. Many of the energy drinks popular with teenagers
have 160-175 mg of caffeine in a can. Others, sold in tiny bottles, have as much as 300 mg of caffeine
in a 1-ounce serving.
Many of these drinks also contain secondary sources of caffeine, like guarana. Since these are usually
listed separately from caffeine on the label, the true caffeine content of some energy drinks may be
even higher than the label suggests. And because they contain ingredients like guarana, taurine and
vitamin B12, energy drinks are considered dietary supplements. So they are not regulated for safety
or accuracy in labeling.
Energy drinks do resemble sodas in one respect: the amount of sugar they contain, which is anywhere
from 7 to 12 teaspoons per can. And many teens aren’t stopping at one can. They’re drinking several
cans in one sitting to get high or to try to gain an edge on the playing field. Since caffeine is a
diuretic, it can exacerbate the effects of dehydration during athletic endeavors, when kids should be
replenishing lost fluids with water. Teens are also mixing energy drinks with alcohol, a very, very
dangerous combination.
A rare energy drink is not going to make your child a caffeine addict, but a daily energy drink will
certainly create dependence on caffeine. If your teenager consumes energy drinks on a regular basis,
convince him to kick the habit. Studies have shown that these drinks do not increase performance levels,
either in sports or in school. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising every day
are safer, more effective ways to boost your energy level.
Dr. Restaino practices with CHKD’s General Pediatrics.
By Stephen Restaino, DO
practices with CHKD Health System’s General Pediatrics.