Why Energy Drinks with Caffeine Are Harmful to Kids

Across the United States, parents are increasingly concerned about the safety of energy drinks marketed to teens and even younger children. These beverages—often brightly packaged and aggressively advertised—are not just another soda. They contain significant levels of caffeine along with sugar and other stimulants, raising serious health questions, especially for young people.

Kids and teens should avoid energy drinks. Research shows that one in three 12- to 14-year-olds regularly drinks caffeinated sodas and energy drinks, and over 46% of caffeine overdoses in 2007 involved people under 19. These drinks pose real risks including heart palpitations, seizures, and even cardiac arrest.

What’s Really in Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster contain caffeine alongside other stimulants like guarana—a plant extract that delivers between 40 to 80 milligrams of caffeine per gram. Yet many of these drinks list caffeine content that doesn’t account for additional sources like guarana, resulting in higher actual intake than labeled.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates mainstream energy drink ingredients, but some components—like the exact caffeine contribution from guarana—are not always clearly disclosed or understood. This lack of transparency complicates efforts to assess true caffeine exposure, especially for children.

Health Risks for Children and Teens

According to research published in the American journal Pediatrics and backed by prior surveys, energy drink components are still under study, and there are no specific regulations governing their safe consumption levels for minors. For children with diabetes, depression, or heart, kidney, and liver conditions, the risks are even more severe.

Potential reactions include heart palpitations, seizures, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest or death. Judith Schaechter, one of the study’s authors, warned that these drinks can trigger dangerous physiological responses in vulnerable youth, particularly when mixed with other common stimulants or health conditions.

Are Energy Drinks Really Regulated?

Red Bull has defended its product, stating it is sold in 160 countries with annual global consumption exceeding 4 billion cans and bottles in the past year alone. The company points to approvals from various health authorities as evidence of safety. It also claims that its ingredients fall under FDA oversight.

However, experts counter that while mainstream energy drinks may contain less caffeine per volume compared to the same serving of brewed coffee—about half, according to the American Beverage Association—many youths actually consume more caffeine from coffee than from energy drinks of the same size. Furthermore, actual caffeine levels in energy drinks can exceed what’s printed on the label due to ingredients like guarana.

The energy drink market was valued at $69 billion in 2009, up from $65 billion in 2008, and is expected to have continued growing in 2010. This boom reflects increased marketing and availability, often directly targeting younger demographics despite the known risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much caffeine is really in energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster?

While exact numbers vary by brand and size, energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine—typically around 80 mg per 250 ml can. However, ingredients like guarana can add an extra 40–80 mg of caffeine per gram, which is not always reflected in the labeled content, leading to higher actual intake.

Are energy drinks regulated by the FDA?

Mainstream energy drinks are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their ingredients—including caffeine—are technically under FDA oversight. However, certain components like guarana are not always clearly labeled for caffeine content, meaning the total caffeine dose can exceed what's stated on the package.

Why are energy drinks unsafe for kids?

Energy drinks can cause serious side effects in children, including heart palpitations, seizures, and even cardiac arrest. Children with certain conditions—like diabetes, depression, or heart, liver, and kidney issues—are especially vulnerable to adverse reactions from the caffeine and other stimulants in these beverages.

Do kids consume a lot of caffeine from energy drinks?

Yes. A 2007 report showed that 46% of caffeine overdose cases occurred in people under 19. Additionally, one-third of 12- to 14-year-olds regularly consume caffeinated energy drinks and sodas, indicating high exposure among youth.

Are energy drinks worse than coffee for caffeine intake in kids?

Not necessarily. While energy drinks can have high caffeine content, the American Beverage Association states that mainstream energy drinks typically contain half the caffeine of the same volume of coffee. However, many teens get more caffeine from coffee than from energy drinks of the same size, partly because actual caffeine in energy drinks can be underreported.