Are energy drinks safe for kids?

What comes to mind when you think of energy drinks? A quick fix for an afternoon pick-me-up, a pre-workout jolt, or a non-coffee alternative to waking you up in the morning? They can serve all these purposes due to their high-caffeine content (in some cases, three times the amount of a cup of coffee), and caffeine lovers sing their praises. But these potentially dangerous drinks are being marketed directly to kids and teens in some cases, worrying parents. Are energy drinks safe for kids, actually?

“There are a few kids who vape in my school and one or two who smoke weed, but so far the biggest addiction I’ve seen are Monster energy drinks,” pens one Redditor, who claims to be 14 years old. “Some people regularly fall asleep in class when they don’t drink at least two cans at lunch. They keep themselves up until 5 am because they always have the ‘backdoor’ of a can of concentrated sugar and caffeine… kids are blowing so much money on this; it’s unhealthy.” 

While cigarette and vape companies have come under fire for marketing to teens and are illegal for minors to purchase, energy drinks like Monster, Rockstar, Red Bull, Celsius, C4, and the latest phenomenon, PRIME, have yet to face that much backlash—and remain easily accessible in the refrigerated case of most convenience stores. 

You’ll even find highly caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks in the vending machines at some schools. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 75% of schools don’t have a policy regarding these types of drinks—also scary for parents considering you may not even know when your child is consuming one—prompting a real wake-up call for many. 

“I drink one, and I’m shaking uncontrollably; imagine what it does to our kids,” laments Krystal Rosamino, a 23-year-old mom in upstate New York. 

Are energy drinks safe for kids?

Although amounts vary, most energy drinks contain 100 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is considered safe for most adults, reports the Mayo Clinic. In comparison, a typical can of cola has 34 milligrams, and coffee has 95. Energy drinks are also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that a company can claim it has a certain amount, but it could be more. 

There is no proven safe dose of caffeine for children,” says Arunima Agarwal, MD, a board-certified pediatrician in New York City. “Pediatricians advise against caffeine entirely for children under 12 and against using energy drinks for all children and teens. They also suggest limiting caffeine to 100 mg (about two 12 oz cans of cola) daily for those 12 to18 years old,” explains Dr. Agarwal. 

And caffeine is just one piece of the puzzle, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Energy drinks contain large amounts of sugar, ranging from 21g to 34g per ounce. The sugar content is mainly in sucrose, glucose, or high fructose corn syrup, which may also increase your child’s risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The drinks also often contain artificial additives that may be unsafe for children’s developing bodies and brains. 

The risks of energy drinks 

Even though doctors follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the organization’s own studies show that 30% to 50% of kids regularly consume these types of drinks. With these drinks, the risks outweigh the benefits. 

“Extreme caffeine intake among children has been linked to elevated heart rates, high blood pressure levels, disturbed sleep patterns, and anxiety attacks, along with negative impacts on brain development, potential weight gain, and dental issues from the high sugar,” explains Laura Purdy MD, a board-certified family physician who’s licensed to practice in all 50 states. 

In 2011 alone, 1,499 adolescents aged 12 to 17 went to the emergency room for an energy-drink related issue, reports the CDC. Their symptoms ranged from dehydration and insomnia to anxiety and even heart complications. 

Erin Dziados, a 45-year-old mom of three in New York, has witnessed one of these scary incidents with a friend’s child. “He was around 15 or 16, and he and his friends were doing one of those TikTok challenges where you had to compete to see who could drink the most energy drinks at one time,” explains Dziados. “He went into cardiac arrest and subsequently had a stroke at the hospital. The doctors confirmed it was the result of caffeine toxicity.” 

Unfortunately for Dziado’s friend, now 18, the seemingly harmless act of consuming three energy drinks has affected him for life. “He now has permanent paralysis in his left side and can no longer participate in sports or live a normal life as he used to.” 

TikTok has certainly influenced teens and kids to buy products such as energy drinks. So much so the energy drinks market skyrocketed to a massive $86 billion by 2021. PRIME, in particular, has been largely successful using only social media to promote the product. It was founded in 2022 by YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI, who have a combined 40 million subscribers. While one of their drinks promises a Gatorade-like hydration, they also offer an energy version, and kids being marketed to might not fully understand the difference. 

“There is a difference between, for example, PRIME Hydration and PRIME Energy, which can be confusing for children and adolescents,” states Sid Khurana, MD, FAPA., a board-certified adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Nevada. He notes that the latter does state it is for people 18 and up, but anyone can still buy it. 

“Kids spend hours a day on screens and social media where they are hit with effective ads from energy drink companies,” attests Annie Salsberg, co-founder of RAMP!, an all-natural and nutrient-dense alternative to energy drinks. “Seeing the amount of interest my kids showed in these drinks became increasingly distressing.” 

“Energy drinks absolutely are marketed to kids, with the bright, bold labels, cool names, and flavors like Swedish Fish and Skittles. It’s clearly meant to entice the younger demographic,” says Samara Salvione, who admits her 22-year-old son drank energy drinks occasionally when he was a teen. 

Is it ever OK for kids to have caffeine? 

Studies show that small amounts of caffeine can help children over 12 improve cognitive performance when it comes to alertness, focus and attention—specifically those affected with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “Since caffeine is a stimulant, it makes sense that it has the potential to benefit patients with ADHD,” explains Dr. Agarwal. However, she warns that as it is a drug, it must be tested through randomized controlled studies to ascertain safe doses and side effects. 

If your child craves a pick-me-up, doctors suggest reaching for high-protein snacks and beverages like coconut water or iced, non-caffeinated teas. “It’s best to stick to things that are whole foods and plant-based with no added sugar or artificial ingredients to avoid any adverse effects,” advises Sarah Olszewski, RD, nutrition advisor for Cure Hydration. 

The mind-body connection is also important for our children. “Taking quiet time out to rest, read, walk, meditate and put away the electronics also replenishes the brain, increases focus, and decreases anxiety,” advises Kimberlee Blyden-Taylor, ND, MSc, a naturopathic doctor who practices in Canada. 

As with anything, parents need to remain educated and vigilant. “I encourage parents to read the labels, research their ingredients, and discuss it with their health care providers,” Dr. Khurana urges. “Just because something is being sold doesn’t mean it’s safe.”