Children who crack open energy drinks to cheer themselves up may be struggling with their mental health.
A new research review reveals the negative health effects of energy drink consumption among children and teens, including decreased sleep quality, negative effects on mood, and increased risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. has become clear.
Dr. Tarek Yakub, medical director of acute care psychiatry services at Ann & Robert H. This is what research has shown.” Lurie Children's Hospital.
The review paper found an “increased risk of suicide, psychological distress, ADHD symptoms, and depressive and panicky behavior,” in addition to poor sleep quality and other problems.
“This is, as you know, a compilation of data from thousands of children who participated in these studies, and again, clinically correlated with what we're seeing. ” said Yakubu.
Yabubu said it's important to point out that the study found a correlation, not a causation.
“They already have depression and anxiety, and they're looking for something that might lift their mood, but it actually causes such a huge physiological response that it actually doesn't work. Are you not at all calm?'' asked Yakub.
There are many different types of energy drinks, but many are high in not only sugar but also caffeine, sometimes over 200 milligrams.
“Some children may experience heart palpitations and hold it in, and that's okay. However, the amount of caffeine they consume and its effect on the heart can cause very serious and life-threatening arrhythmias.” There are other children out there,” said Dr. Stuart Berger, chief of pediatric cardiology at Lurie Children's Hospital.
The review paper found that boys were at a higher risk of consuming energy drinks than girls.
While some may treat it as a “pre-workout” to improve performance at the gym, Berger says that may not be the case.
“In fact, even though it's associated with depression, it can be counterproductive due to anxiety and arrhythmia. What you think you're getting from these performance-enhancing drinks, you're actually not getting. “Maybe not,” Berger said.
Experts recommend that parents pay close attention to what their children are consuming, actively listen to their children's concerns, and avoid reaching for the can to reassure their children. There is.
“I think these conversations are much easier if you already have open communication with your children. But the message we should send to them is that these should be avoided at all costs,” Yakub said. mentioned energy drinks.
Both doctors welcomed further research and the possibility of regulations banning sales to people under a certain age, similar to what some European countries have enacted.
