The consumption of energy drinks by children is rising daily. Energy drinks are usually appearing in headlines and news stories, for its negative impact. Energy drinks are quite popular among the people of the young generation. These questions are unanswered: are these products extremely dangerous? If yes, why are they available to young people?
What are the energy drinks?
Energy drinks derive their energy from glucose; it also has added ingredients to assist ‘boost energy’.
Energy drinks are known to enhance concentration, reduce tiredness, and it provides energy; because it’s caffeine and other ingredients that affect fatigue and improves metabolism.
Consumption:
Studies show that increased energy drink consumption is linked with being a teenage male that has special educational needs and is eligible for free school meals.
Reviews highlight that males are more likely to consume high amounts of energy drinks than females. Additionally, if someone is underweight or obese, he or she is more likely to consume energy drinks.
The consumption of energy drinks is dangerous to the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual.
Physical effects of high energy drink consumption:
Physical effects from over-consumption of energy drinks are sleep disturbances, increased vital signs, stomach aches and headaches. Self-reported injury is reported as a result of hyperactivity.
Caffeine doesn’t allow proper absorption of calcium within the intestines and leads to reduced calcium deposition in bones in adolescents. this might happen thanks to the consumption of energy drinks rather than calcium-containing drink i.e. milk.
The consumption of energy drinks leads to prolongation of the QTc interval in adults. this might be a symbol of increased risk for fatal arrhythmias, and for people having underlying cardiac problems, it is often dangerous.
Mental effects:
The psychological state effects thanks to consumption of energy drinks include self-destructive behavior, sensation-seeking behavior, insomnia, problems with behavioral regulation and poor lifestyle behaviors, like poor diet and consumption of nutriment. the utilization of energy drinks in teenagers can affect the longer-term food and drink choices in children because it alters the developing reward and addiction center of the brain; it also results in addiction because it has a high amount of caffeine.
Energy drinks potentially play a task within the obesity crisis and acts as a tool to stay the load low in children that have eating disorders. The consumption of energy drinks is linked with dental decay, diabetes, and increased BMI in children.
For the disorder population, low sugar versions of energy drinks boost energy through caffeine and stimulants; additionally, it promotes loose stools and suppresses appetite. children with eating disorders have a high risk of cardiac arrhythmias due to low weight, hence, the utilization of those products could also be worrying.
Why do children consume these drinks?
The reason that energy drinks became so popular in children is tough to pinpoint. Advertising plays a crucial role in the desire to consume these products. the will for an ‘energy boost’ could also be a reason to consume energy drinks. Sometimes, kids attempt to mimic their parents; so, consumption of energy drinks by parents can cause kids to try to an equivalent.
What should nutrition professionals be advising?
What is the responsibility of health professionals? The health professionals should instruct and educate the patients, the overall public and industry regarding the harmful effects of energy drinks, especially when it’s mixed with alcohol. The consumption of energy drinks should be included in standard health screening for children, specifically the populations in danger like people with high-risk behavior and health conditions; for instance, heart problems, anorexia, anxiety, etc.
The dietitians, nutritional professionals, nutritional educationalists can close to teach that energy drink consumption, appears to possess more negative than positive outcomes. thanks to varieties in products that are available within the market, it’s extremely difficult to advise which products could also be safer, which indicates that energy drinks should be avoided.
Making educated choices:
The consumption of energy drinks isn’t safe for both the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual. It can encourage risky behaviors in teenagers just like the use of alcohol.
There is little legislation that restricts the sale of those products to children, and therefore the understanding of its side-effects is minimal. it’s our responsibility to form sure that information and education are out there to permit parents and kids to form educated choices regarding energy drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Will the consumption of energy drink make my child fat?
- Yes, the high sugar contents within the energy drinks cause weight gain.
- Does a healthy energy drink exist?
- There are some energy drinks within the market that are considered to be healthy and safe to drink. you’ll try it or consult an expert first.
