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Energy drinks may increase energy and alertness but they have no therapeutic effects. Find out more about the harmful effects they have on children, adolescents and young adults.

Why Energy Drinks Are Popular Among the Young

Marketed as energy enhancers, young adults and children take energy drinks before doing athletic activities, working on projects or just studying for exams. These popular, often carbonated beverages contain caffeine and many other substances like tea extracts, ginseng, taurine and yohimbine that boost one’s energy levels. They are able to stay awake and active, perhaps believing that their strength, endurance and memory are improved.

Some take these drinks in place of high calorie meals to avoid weight gain and suppress appetite. Since these drinks are loaded with sugar some prefer diet energy drinks which may contain fewer calories but have caffeine and other substances as well. Still others may use these products to overcome fatigue, stress and tension.

Various studies have found that about 30-50% of children as young as 5 years old, adolescents and young adults consume energy enhancing beverages in various amounts, with a few drinking these habitually.