Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Avoid Energy Drinks, Especially in Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that energy drinks have no place in a young person’s diet. The amount of caffeine in one drink might exceed 500mg, which is equivalent to 14 cans of common caffeinated soft drinks. The amount of sugar in one serving of these drinks can be as high as 270 calories. The pH is highly acidic, which can lead to dental cavities (and might increase the risk of allergies and even malignancies—my note). Unaware of the dangers, some schools offer energy drinks in vending machines. Water should be used to hydrate children, especially while participating in athletics. See Pediatrics 2022(click here);127:1182-9.