Energy drinks are linked to a range of health problems and risky behaviors in children and adolescents. NIJZ research from 2018 showed that more than a third of young people drink energy drinks, and the age limit for consumption is decreasing.
Energy drinks are not a suitable drink for children and adolescents, as they affect the functioning of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, muscles and digestive system. You can they are also the cause of other health problems, such as they are excessive body weight and tooth decay, and can even affect the development of type 2 diabetes, they are announced by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ).
According to their data, more than a third of young people drink energy drinks, including one in six 11-year-olds and one in two 15-year-olds. According to their estimates, a Slovenian teenager should drink two liters on average and half of energy drinks per month, which places Slovenia in the European average.
From NIJZ they are also announced that a survey by the Consumers’ Association of Slovenia among primary school children in Ljubljana showed that even their parents offer them energy drinks, thinking that it is one of the non-alcoholic drinks. “Energy drinks mainly contain caffeine and other stimulants, a higher proportion of sugar or sweeteners, and colorings and flavors. Due to their lower body weight, side effects occur faster and more intensively in children and adolescents than in adults. There is not enough data available to determine the safe intake of caffeine for children and adolescents, so the use of energy drinks is not recommended for them.” she explained Urška Blaznik from NIJZ.
Energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks
Drinking energy drinks during heavy physical exertion poses a risk for all consumers who think that these are healthy drinks suitable for sports. Energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks, which they are designed to replace substances lost during strenuous exercise.
At NIJZ they are reminded that parents, teachers and coaches strongly advise children against drinking energy drinks. Children and adolescents need about one and a half liters of fluid per day. Emphasized they arethat drinking water is always the best choice, but unsweetened teas or 100% fruit and vegetable juices diluted with water also come into consideration.
Source: Rtvslo
