Energy Drinks for Children and Teens: Caffeine, Sugar, a Clear No (Video)

Transcript

Did you know a teen energy drink can pack 80 mg of caffeine?

Did you know a teen energy drink can pack 80 mg of caffeine?

Energy Drinks: No for Kids

We're breaking down why energy drinks are a big no for kids and reveal a simple swap that keeps them alert without the crash today.

Caffeine per can

A typical 250-ml energy drink packs roughly 80 milligrams of caffeine, about the same as two cups of coffee, and that hits a child's small body much harder.

Why they’re a no

Caffeine blocks the brain’s rest signal, and a child’s smaller body gets twice the caffeine per kilogram of an adult. The label also shows about 32 mg per 100 ml and 11 g of sugar, plus guarana and a splash of taurine and B-vitamins that add no energy.

Side effects

Mixing them with other caffeine or drinking several cans stacks the dose, leading to heart palpitations, a fast pulse, sleepless nights, jittery anxiety, and stomach upset that can ruin a study session.

Sugar, weight & study myth

A 250 ml can holds about seven teaspoons of sugar, liquid calories that don’t fill you up, leading to extra eating and weight gain. Caffeine may feel awake, but it doesn’t boost learning; memory builds during sleep, so water and fruit beat the crash.

Better alternatives

Swap the can for water, a glass of milk or lassi after school, and a snack like fruit, roasted chana, or a boiled egg. For a long match, bring water and a banana at halftime.

The one swap to try

The single, practical swap is to replace any energy drink with a bottle of water and a piece of fruit or a banana, it keeps them hydrated, gives natural carbs, and avoids caffeine crashes.

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Read the full guide

Read the complete guide on thecareonline.com. This is general information, not medical advice.