A recent report published in Public Health and made available by Newcastle University expressed concern about energy drinks being consumed by children.

Energy drinks are those that are advertised as giving a mental and physical “boost” by providing more “energy” than other cooldrinks. They are different to “sports drinks” that might be used to replace electrolytes lost during exercise.

These high-caffeine drinks are associated with an increased risk of mental health issues among children and young people, including anxiety, stress, depression and suicidal thoughts. The study found that consumption of these drinks is more common among boys than girls in the UK, and is also associated with increased risky behaviours such as substance use, violence and unsafe sex. Not surprisingly, such consumers were linked to an increased risk of poor academic performance, sleep problems and unhealthy dietary habits.

The study wasn’t limited to the UK as the researchers looked at data from 57 studies of more than 1.2 million children and young people from over 21 countries.

Experts say it highlights the need for regulatory action to restrict the sale and marketing of energy drinks to children and young people.

“There has been policy inaction on this area despite government concern and public consultations. It is time that we have action on the fastest growing sector of the soft drink market.”

The concern seems well founded as previous research found that up to a third of children in the UK drink caffeinated energy drinks on a weekly basis. In addition, these drinks are sometimes cheaper to buy than bottled water, which helps to explain their popularity. Following a national campaign, fronted by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, many supermarkets in the UK agreed to ban the sales of these energy drinks to children.

What about South Africa?

Most of the energy drinks freely available in South Africa contain around 35 mg of caffeine per 100 ml. This totals around 105 mg of caffeine in a 300 ml can. A mug of instant coffee contains about 80 mg.

While a number of countries have attempted to regulate energy drinks, there is nothing preventing youngsters from buying them here. It is down to parents to ensure that youngsters know to stay away from these drinks.
Most of the products do carry warnings on the cans, stating that the contents are not recommended for children under the age of 12 years. However, more than 40 health related organisation in the UK are striving for a ban of sales of these drinks to children under the age of 16 years.

Content supplied by Newcastle University
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