A new study has found that kids who regularly consume the increasingly popular caffeine-laden energy drinks or gulp down a relatively large amount of the liquid in a short span are at a higher risk of experiencing seizures, heart palpitations or other such problems.
According to Rutgers University's poison control experts, these drinks are made for adults and when young children drink them, they consume a large quantity of caffeine for their body mass. At the minimum, they become wired - just as an adult would - and it might be difficult for parents to console them or calm them down.
Bruce Ruck, director of drug information and professional education for the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, said that kids also might have trouble falling asleep or experience tremors, anxiety, agitation, heart palpitations, nausea or vomiting. Of more concern, they may experience a rapid heart rate or seizures.
Steven Marcus, the executive and medical director of NPIES, emphasizes that teens and young adults are inherently risk takers. And those who are physically active face extra risk this time of year.
Ruck also explained that, in addition to large amounts of caffeine, most energy drinks contain sweeteners, vitamins and maybe herbal products, some of which may hold hidden risks for certain individuals.
