Louise Blanchfield

Nutritional expert

Should High Caffeine Drinks Be Banned for Children?

Manufacturers of high caffeine drinks do state that their drinks are ‘not recommended for children or pregnant women’ but do they go far enough in actually increasing awareness of their potential side effects and thus even attempt to prevent their sale to such vulnerable individuals?

It can even be argued that the style of advertising and branding appears to be deliberately aimed at the teenage market. Indeed, it is reported that energy drinks are consumed by 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults.

Each individual can tolerate different levels of caffeine and this depends on your age, weight, any existing health conditions and whether you have built up a tolerance to it. It is postulated that the safe level for adults is up to 400mg per day but for children recommended levels are as low as 100mg. If we look at drinks consumed by children, it is not surprising that problems exist when drinks range from a can of CocaCola at 32mg to a can of ‘Rockstar Punched’ that comes in at a huge caffeine content of 240mg per 500ml.

When caffeine is ingested it very rapidly enters the central nervous system and has a stimulatory effect making you feel more alert and energetic. However, in October 2015 the Mayo Clinic stated that ongoing consumption of more than 500-600mg of caffeine a day in adults may lead to insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, an upset stomach, a fast heartbeat and even muscle tremors.

It is of particular concern when high caffeine drinks are consumed by children who suffer with seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behavioural disorders, as the effects can be more pronounced. It has even been reported in America that, of the 5,448 caffeine overdoses in 2007, 46% occurred in those younger than 19. An overdose can lead to convulsions and death. Does that not say it all?