Study Discovers Additional Proof Supporting the Ban of Energy Drinks for Children

A recent study reviewing the latest health evidence strongly suggests that the UK should prohibit the sale of all energy drinks to young people and children. The study reveals new connections to health risks, including anxiety, stress, and even suicidal thoughts, which were not previously well-documented.

These drinks, often marketed as providing an energy boost, commonly contain elevated levels of caffeine and sugar. In response to concerns, most major UK supermarkets have voluntarily refrained from selling energy drinks to individuals under the age of 16.

In 2019, England and Scotland considered a comprehensive ban on the sale of energy drinks, extending the prohibition to cover not only major supermarkets but also smaller shops, online retailers, and vending machines. Such a ban aims to address the potential health hazards associated with the consumption of these beverages among young people.

The health ministers in England have mentioned that they will share their complete response at a later time.

Following the review, 40 health-related organizations have penned a letter to Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, reiterating the call for stricter regulations on the sale of energy drinks.

The letter points out that many of these beverages pack a punch with caffeine, ranging from 160-200mg per can, which is twice the amount in an average cup of coffee (around 80mg, depending on the strength).

Despite labels on the drinks stating they are unsuitable for children, the experts highlight that they are still easily accessible to individuals under 18 at corner shops.

Energy drinks are promoted as providing both a physical and mental boost, claiming to offer more energy compared to regular soft drinks.

This market is substantial and expanding, with up to a third of UK children consuming these drinks on a weekly basis.

Dr. Amelia Lake, a professor of public health nutrition at Teesside University, led a review that delved into 57 recent studies examining the impact of energy drinks on the health of young people. The studies involved over a million children from 21 different countries.

The evidence is crystal clear – energy drinks aren't good for the mental and physical well-being of kids and teens. They also mess with their behavior and education," she pointed out.

We've got to act now to shield them from these dangers.

The study revealed that boys were more into energy drinks than girls. Also, regular consumption made young people more prone to drug use, violence, and risky behavior in the bedroom.

Issues like trouble sleeping, poor school performance, and an unhealthy diet were closely linked to the consumption of energy drinks, the review discovered.

Dr. Lake mentioned that, even though their research couldn't outright prove that energy drinks directly caused health problems – because dietary studies are always just observations – the findings were still significant and represented the best evidence available.

There's a chance that energy drinks lead to health issues because those who gulp them down often might be unhealthy in other ways – like smoking or drinking alcohol, for example.

Watch out for caffeine:

Experts recommend having no more than 3mg of caffeine per kilogram of your body weight.

"It's easy for young people to surpass that," warns Dr. Lake. A big energy drink can have as much caffeine as two espressos.

These drinks also pack a punch of sugar, harming kids' teeth and contributing to obesity, especially if they already eat unhealthy.

Some places, like Latvia and Lithuania, banned energy drinks for kids. We're waiting to see if it helps. Finland and Poland might do the same.

England and Scotland thought about stopping sales to kids four years ago. Wales talked about it in 2022. Let's see where they land.

New rules state that drinks with over 150mg of caffeine per litre must have a label saying, "High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women."

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care mentioned, "We talked about stopping the sale of energy drinks to kids under 16 in England. Our full response is coming soon."

For now, many big shops and supermarkets have chosen not to sell energy drinks to kids under 16.

It's a good idea for children and people who can't handle a lot of caffeine to only have a little bit.

William Roberts, from the Royal Society for Public Health, said the study "shows more proof that energy drinks can be bad for kids and young people's health, now and later."

That's why we want the UK government to do what it promised in 2019 and stop selling energy drinks to kids under 16.

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