Editors at the Canadian Medical Association Journal are voicing concern over the increasing use of highly caffeinated energy drinks among kids and teens.
The authors argue that caffeine-loaded energy drinks have now crossed the line from beverages to drugs delivered as tasty syrups and warn that some energy drinks contain the caffeine equivalent of 10 cans of cola.
They note that the effects of high concentrations of caffeine in kids are a cause for concern since excess caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, rapid heart rate and sleeplessness, which itself can cause a domino effect of problems in kids.
They are calling on Health Canada to ban energy drink companies from targeting children and teens. Currently Health Canada recommends kids under 12 years shouldn't consume more than 85 mg of caffeine per day, a fraction of the 500 mg of caffeine in some energy drinks.
The authors also note a need for parents to be educated about the risks of energy drinks, and how they can be addictive.
To read the full report, click here.
The authors argue that caffeine-loaded energy drinks have now crossed the line from beverages to drugs delivered as tasty syrups and warn that some energy drinks contain the caffeine equivalent of 10 cans of cola.
They note that the effects of high concentrations of caffeine in kids are a cause for concern since excess caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, rapid heart rate and sleeplessness, which itself can cause a domino effect of problems in kids.
They are calling on Health Canada to ban energy drink companies from targeting children and teens. Currently Health Canada recommends kids under 12 years shouldn't consume more than 85 mg of caffeine per day, a fraction of the 500 mg of caffeine in some energy drinks.
The authors also note a need for parents to be educated about the risks of energy drinks, and how they can be addictive.
To read the full report, click here.
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