Many pre-teens and teens drink energy drinks (E.
D.
) such as Red Bull for a quick burst of energy, to perform better as an athlete, or to just concentrate better during school.
Medical literature, however, has dubbed the drinks unhealthy for young adults saying they can cause serious medical problems.
A review of scientific literature published in Pediatrics claims that the caffeinated drinks do not appear to provide the benefits they claim, and do cause serious medical complications.
The beverage industry was quick to draw criticism to the paper shooting back that energy drinks have no more caffeine than a single cup of coffee.
The University of Miami School of Medicine reviewed 121 scientific studies, government reports and other media sources on energy drinks to conclude that energy drinks do not contain the same amount of sugar and caffeine as other sports drink, vitamin water and sodas.
They found that 70 to 80 milligrams of caffeine was the usual amount of caffeine in an 8 oz energy drink.
That's nearly double of many sodas.
E.
D.
also sometimes contains guarana.
This plant contains caffeine, taurine, vitamins, herbal supplements and even sweeteners.
Research has shown that 30 to 50% of pre-teens and teens consume E.
D.
But, there is no evidence to support that these drinks are in fact helping improve energy, stamina, athletic performance or concentrations.
These drinks can cause health risks for all that drink them, but children with cardiovascular, renal disease, seizures, diabetes and behavior disorders are at a much more significant risk.
The report encourages parents and doctors to talk to teens and pre-teens about whether or not they should be drinking such beverages.
On the other side, the American Beverage Association claims that this literature does nothing more than perpetuate misinformation about E.
D.
It has been said that for kids under the age of 18, the caffeine consumed from E.
D is far less than the caffeine they receive from all other sources such as soft drinks, teas and coffee.
Red Bull claims that "the effects of caffeine are well-known, and as an 8.
4-oz.
can of Red Bull contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee (80 milligrams), it should be treated accordingly.
" As a parents it is up to your to decide whether or not you want your children to drink energy drinks.
Too much caffeine, through any source, can be damaging to a child's health.
You have to remember, what you teach them to eat and drink now will shape their adult health habits.
Caffeine is okay, but keep track of the amounts your kid intakes.
If your child starts at the age of 16 needing a Red Bull to function, what will he be consuming when he's 30 and needs to function with everyday hardships of life?
D.
) such as Red Bull for a quick burst of energy, to perform better as an athlete, or to just concentrate better during school.
Medical literature, however, has dubbed the drinks unhealthy for young adults saying they can cause serious medical problems.
A review of scientific literature published in Pediatrics claims that the caffeinated drinks do not appear to provide the benefits they claim, and do cause serious medical complications.
The beverage industry was quick to draw criticism to the paper shooting back that energy drinks have no more caffeine than a single cup of coffee.
The University of Miami School of Medicine reviewed 121 scientific studies, government reports and other media sources on energy drinks to conclude that energy drinks do not contain the same amount of sugar and caffeine as other sports drink, vitamin water and sodas.
They found that 70 to 80 milligrams of caffeine was the usual amount of caffeine in an 8 oz energy drink.
That's nearly double of many sodas.
E.
D.
also sometimes contains guarana.
This plant contains caffeine, taurine, vitamins, herbal supplements and even sweeteners.
Research has shown that 30 to 50% of pre-teens and teens consume E.
D.
But, there is no evidence to support that these drinks are in fact helping improve energy, stamina, athletic performance or concentrations.
These drinks can cause health risks for all that drink them, but children with cardiovascular, renal disease, seizures, diabetes and behavior disorders are at a much more significant risk.
The report encourages parents and doctors to talk to teens and pre-teens about whether or not they should be drinking such beverages.
On the other side, the American Beverage Association claims that this literature does nothing more than perpetuate misinformation about E.
D.
It has been said that for kids under the age of 18, the caffeine consumed from E.
D is far less than the caffeine they receive from all other sources such as soft drinks, teas and coffee.
Red Bull claims that "the effects of caffeine are well-known, and as an 8.
4-oz.
can of Red Bull contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee (80 milligrams), it should be treated accordingly.
" As a parents it is up to your to decide whether or not you want your children to drink energy drinks.
Too much caffeine, through any source, can be damaging to a child's health.
You have to remember, what you teach them to eat and drink now will shape their adult health habits.
Caffeine is okay, but keep track of the amounts your kid intakes.
If your child starts at the age of 16 needing a Red Bull to function, what will he be consuming when he's 30 and needs to function with everyday hardships of life?
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