If you’re the parent or caregiver of a teen who enjoys online gaming, you may have noticed energy drinks becoming part of their routine, especially during long gaming sessions or late-night tournaments. These brightly coloured cans promise a quick boost of energy and alertness, but what do we really know about their impact on adolescent health?
While energy drinks may seem harmless, the truth is they can pose real risks to teen health, particularly when consumed in large quantities or by youth with undiagnosed medical conditions. Among the most concerning issues are their potential links to heart problems, including Supra-ventricular Tachycardia (SVT), and seizures. (1)
Energy drinks are often packed with stimulants like caffeine, taurine, guarana, and ginseng which are substances that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. For some teens, especially those with an undiagnosed heart condition, these stimulants can interfere with the heart’s natural rhythm.
Supra-ventricular Tachycardia, or SVT, is one such condition. (2) It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart send out abnormal electrical signals, causing the heart to suddenly race. Though it may sound rare, there have been documented cases where energy drink consumption has triggered SVT in teens, even resulting in visits to emergency rooms for symptoms like heart palpitations and irregular heartbeats. (3)
Stimulants in energy drinks can also impact the brain. High doses of caffeine, for example, may lower the brain’s seizure threshold, meaning it becomes easier for a seizure to occur. For teens who may already be at risk (even unknowingly), this can be dangerous. (4)(5)
In addition to the stimulants themselves, energy drinks often contribute to poor sleep, dehydration, and fluctuating blood sugar levels, each of which is a known seizure trigger. Though seizures are not a common reaction, medical journals and poison control data have linked excessive energy drink consumption to this serious side effect, particularly when combined with other risk factors like stimulant medications for ADHD. (6)(7)
Adolescents are still growing, and their bodies are more sensitive to the effects of stimulants than those of adults. Despite this, energy drinks are not regulated as strictly as medications. Caffeine content can vary widely from brand to brand, and additional ingredients are not always well studied for their impact on developing bodies.
This is why the Canadian Paediatric Society strongly advises against energy drink use by children and teens altogether. (8) This is also echoed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. (9) For youth with a known heart condition, a history of seizures, or who are on medications like those used to treat ADHD, the risks become even greater thus why energy drinks should be avoided entirely.
In Canada, including provinces like British Columbia, there are currently no laws preventing the sale of energy drinks to minors. Although Health Canada does require warning labels that state that these drinks are “not recommended for children, pregnant, or breastfeeding women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine”, however, these labels are advisory, not enforceable. (10) As a result, teens can legally purchase these drinks at most convenience and grocery stores without restriction.
Awareness is key. Start the conversation with your teen about the potential risks of energy drinks, especially if they’re using them frequently during gaming sessions or while studying late into the night. Encourage healthier alternatives, like water, herbal teas, or simply taking a break when tired.
As with many parenting topics, a judgment-free, informed approach goes a long way. Your teen may not know the risks associated with energy drinks, but once they do, they’re more likely to make better choices for themselves.
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References:
2/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8834195/
3/ https://jmedicalcasereports.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1752-1947-5-18
3/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1525505007000261
4/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21642791/
7/ https://cps.ca/documents/position/energy-and-sports-drinks
8/ https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/27276/Children-should-avoid-drinks-with-sugar-caffeine
9/ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/caffeinated-energy-drinks-what-you-should-know
