First of all, judging from the ingredients of energy drinks, they usually contain caffeine, taurine, amino acids and other substances, which can refresh the mind and replenish physical strength to a certain extent. However, for minors, their bodies are still in the development stage, and their metabolism and tolerance of these ingredients may be relatively weak.
Secondly, caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can increase the release of dopamine by blocking adenosine receptors, thereby improving cognitive function and athletic performance. Although minors may be able to temporarily improve their mental state when they consume caffeine in moderation, long-term or excessive intake may lead to dependence, sleep disorders and other health risks. Especially for minors with insomnia, anxiety and other problems, drinking caffeinated energy drinks may aggravate symptoms.
In addition, sugar and other additives in energy drinks may also have adverse effects on the health of minors. Excessive sugar may cause obesity, tooth decay and other problems, while additives may burden liver and kidney function.
Taking all the above factors into consideration, although minors can drink energy drinks in moderation in certain situations (such as high learning pressure and the need to temporarily improve their mental state), parents are generally advised to supervise their reasonable use of energy drinks and ensure that they receive appropriate medical guidance when necessary for the needs of their growth and development and to avoid potential health risks.
Specifically, minors should try to avoid frequent or excessive drinking of energy drinks, especially when they are not exercising or sweating a lot. If you really need to replenish energy or refresh your mind, you can choose a healthier way, such as drinking water, tea, freshly squeezed juice, etc.
According to the Spanish newspaper El País website on October 16, the latest survey on drug use among Spanish middle school students released by the Spanish Ministry of Health in 2021 showed that more than 40% of middle school students had drunk energy drinks in the past month, which is the highest proportion of middle school students drinking energy drinks in Spain ever recorded. Before they become adults, the intake of energy drinks will gradually increase, and after adulthood, the intake will begin to decrease.
The survey showed that the proportion of male middle school students drinking energy drinks was 50.7%, higher than that of female middle school students (39%). Regardless of age, female minors drink less energy drinks than men. However, unlike the trend observed in the male minor group, the consumption of energy drinks among female minors reaches its highest level at the age of 15, then drops significantly, only to rise again in adulthood.
In response to the concerns of health professionals, the Galician Regional Government announced that energy drinks will be treated the same as alcoholic drinks in 2024, which means that the sale and supply of energy drinks to minors will not be allowed. Galicia is the first region in Spain to make this decision, which has once again sparked discussions on this topic in various regions.
Antonio Rial, a doctor of social psychology, is concerned about this "increasingly common" consumption behavior. Rial explained that the consumption of energy drinks is associated with problems caused by the abuse of caffeine, taurine and sugar, and is not limited to metabolic problems. The psychologist pointed out that these consumers may have a double risk of being overweight or obese and a triple risk of digestive problems. "People who drink energy drinks regularly have more health problems," Rial added.
Symptoms such as low mood, irritability and headaches may also be related to this. "We cannot yet determine that this is causally related to the consumption of energy drinks. It is more like a problem related to a specific lifestyle," Rial pointed out. He added that energy drink consumption is also associated with a higher incidence of depression. "As a way to escape anxiety, people consume more alcohol, tobacco and energy drinks," Rial added.
One of the most worrying data revealed by the survey is about the dangerous combination of high alcoholic beverages and energy drinks. "It's a time bomb," he said. 16% of young Spanish people are drinking this mixed drink." In addition, he pointed out that frequent drinking of this mixed drink has been shown to increase the tendency to "behave at risk", which is more likely to lead to inappropriate sexual behavior, quarrels, accidents and injuries.
As part of a four-month research trial, Bridgetown in Western Australia will ban people under 18 from buying energy drinks. Community doctors hope the move will improve young people's mental health and reduce antisocial behavior.
The Telethon Kids Institute will survey young people, parents and retail stores before and after the trial and compare the results with a control group, a nearby community with a similar demographic that has not implemented the ban.
Sarah Youngson, a local GP in Bridgetown, said she had seen firsthand the impact of energy drinks on the town's young people.
"I noticed that some young people in the town had antisocial behavior, a bit impulsive and eccentric. In my medical records, I noticed that more and more teenagers were suffering from insomnia and anxiety, which was definitely related to energy drinks."
"Energy drinks may affect the heart and cardiovascular system and cause high blood pressure. And the brain development of young people is more susceptible to the caffeine in energy drinks."
"Young people also often cannot control their reasonable intake of energy drinks. I have received some young patients who came in and said that they often drank energy drinks and said that they could not fall asleep until three in the morning and could not get up to go to school."
"Some people even need to drink another energy drink frequently to complete their studies. But this often interferes with their learning rhythm and interest, causing them to drop out of school or disrupt class order."
Although many young people in the town are aware of the health risks of energy drinks, 16-year-old Hans Bouwman still said that he likes the taste. "I may be able to live without energy drinks, but life may not be so good."
Sophie Turner, also 16, does not drink energy drinks. She believes that teenagers do not need to consume so much extra sugar and energy.
"If you can drink energy drinks rationally and use them, that's fine. But if you just sit at home and drink them casually, it's not good for your health."
Paris Crittenden, 12, has mixed emotions about the ban: "I'm neutral. I'm not angry or too happy about it. Because I do like energy drinks, but I also know that it's not suitable for teenagers."
A Bridgetown cafe participated in the study and will not sell energy drinks to people under 18. It is reported that about eight retailers participated in the study. Owner Laurel Keenan said she would treat it like selling cigarettes or alcohol.
"If the customer looks under 18, we will ask them to show their ID. If that's the case, we can refuse to sell them energy drinks. If there is a problem, we just explain that the town is doing a study."
"I personally don't like energy drinks. It's full of sugar and caffeine, and I think we have to understand the impact they have on children's health."
Keenan said she doesn't think the ban will have a significant impact on her business. But if it does happen, she will still insist on participating in the experiment.
Drinking energy drinks may have many effects on the physical health of minors, mainly including the following aspects:
1. Obesity problem
Energy drinks contain a relatively high amount of sugar. Drinking too much may cause fat accumulation and obesity.
2. Tooth damage
If the sweeteners and flavors in energy drinks remain in the mouth, they can easily cause tooth corrosion, yellowing and defective teeth.
3. Insomnia
Energy drinks usually contain caffeine. Excessive intake of caffeine by minors may stimulate the central nervous system, causing mental excitement, leading to insomnia.
4. Impact on growth and development
Energy drinks contain some hormone substances, which may cause precocious puberty in minors. The main ingredients of energy drinks include electrolytes, amino acids and hormones. For minors, it may affect liver and kidney function and gonadal development.
5. Diabetes
Energy drinks contain a lot of sugar. Long-term and large-scale drinking can cause blood sugar to rise, leading to symptoms of diabetes. .
In summary, minors should try to avoid drinking energy drinks. You can develop a reasonable exercise plan, such as cycling, climbing and other healthier ways to develop good living habits. At the same time, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as high-protein foods during growth.
