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Child and Teen Health
The Health Effects of Energy Drinks
We can all relate to hitting a wall. Your stamina’s gone, it’s been a long day, but there’s plenty of work left. It’s no surprise then, that plenty of people turn to energy drinks to make it through.
But that brightly colored bottle promising to keep you awake through your next study session or workout might be doing more harm than good. Energy drinks have become one of the most popular beverages among teens and young adults, but they also carry surprising health risks.
What Are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are beverages designed to boost alertness and physical performance. According to the NIH, they are the second most popular dietary supplement consumed by American teens and young adults, right after multivitamins. Nearly one third of teens between ages 12 and 17 drink them regularly.
These drinks often contain high amounts of caffeine, anywhere from 70 to 240 milligrams in a single serving. To put that in perspective, a 12-ounce can of cola has about 35 milligrams of caffeine, and an 8-ounce cup of coffee has around 100. Energy drinks may also include other stimulants like guarana (which contains even more caffeine), taurine, ginseng, and large amounts of sugar.
The Health Risks
The high caffeine content in energy drinks can lead to serious health problems, especially in young people whose bodies are still developing. The CDC warns that the stimulants in these drinks can harm the nervous system.
Common health effects include:
Heart complications, including the risk of arrhythmias, tachycardia, and hypertension
Anxiety and nervousness
Insomnia and sleep disturbances
Dehydration
Rare but severe outcomes can include seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and death.
Growing Concern
A recent study found caffeine-related emergency room visits among middle school-aged children nearly doubled between 2017 and 2023, with high school-aged teens showing similar increases.
Combining energy drinks with alcohol is especially dangerous. The CDC reports that people aged 15 to 23 who mix alcohol with energy drinks are four times more likely to binge drink at high intensity compared to those who don't combine them. The caffeine can mask how intoxicated you feel, leading to drinking more than you realize and increasing the risk of alcohol-related injuries, impaired driving, and other dangerous behaviors.
Better Ways to Boost Your Energy
For adults and adolescents alike, there are natural, healthy ways to build lasting energy.
Instead of reaching for a drink:
Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night
Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Eat balanced meals with protein, whole grains, and vegetables
Exercise regularly to naturally increase your energy levels
Take short breaks when studying or working to avoid fatigue
Parents are also encouraged to limit or avoid energy drinks for children and teens due to their high caffeine and sugar content. Many energy drinks contain 25 to 30 teaspoons of sugar per can, which is far more than anyone needs in an entire day.
Remember, it’s ok to rely on an extra caffeine boost from time to time. However, moderation is key. By replacing energy drinks with healthy habits like exercise and balanced meals, you’ll supercharge your stamina—and overall health—for the long term.
Grow Healthy with AltaMed
If you're relying on energy drinks to get through the day, it might be time to talk with a health care provider. Constant fatigue can sometimes signal an underlying health issue that deserves attention. At AltaMed, our care teams can assess symptoms and help you develop solutions that offer lasting energy without the risks. Call us today at (888) 499-9303 or visit our Getting Started page.
