11/20/2025
A little food for thought:
š Letās stop glamorizing energy drinks for our youth. Their hearts werenāt made for this.
We live in a culture that sells āhustleā in a can ā flashy labels, bold claims, and promises of energy, focus, and performance. But beneath the branding lies a dangerous truth: energy drinks are not safe for children or teens, especially when paired with sports, stress, or heat.
Energy drinks are often marketed as ānatural,ā āhealthy,ā or āperformance-boosting.ā But behind the branding lies a dangerous truth: these drinks are packed with synthetic caffeine and other stimulants that can seriously harm young bodies ā especially during sports.
ā What About Coffee and Tea? Isnāt That Caffeine Too? Yes ā but thereās a big difference.
- Natural caffeine in coffee and tea is absorbed more slowly and comes with other compounds (like antioxidants and polyphenols) that help modulate its effects.
- These beverages have been consumed for centuries and are generally safe for adults in moderation.
- Synthetic caffeine, found in energy drinks, is lab-produced, highly concentrated, and often combined with other stimulants like guarana, taurine, and ginseng ā creating a potent mix that overstimulates the nervous system. It hits fast, hard, and unpredictably.
- Unlike sipping a cup of tea, energy drinks are often chugged quickly, delivering a rapid spike in caffeine that can overwhelm a young body.
š„ Synthetic caffeine is not the same as natural caffeine.
š As a provider, Iāve seen the toll: racing hearts, panic attacks, ER visits, and long-term consequences that no child should face. As a mother and mentor, I see the pressure ā to perform, to keep up, to be āon.ā But we must draw the line.
š The Stats That Should Wake Us Up:
- ā ļø Over 1,400 emergency room visits per year are linked to energy drink consumption in adolescents.
- š Caffeine toxicity is now one of the top reasons for poison control calls involving teens.
- š§ One 16 oz energy drink can contain up to 300 mg of caffeine ā the equivalent of 6 cans of cola or 3 cups of coffee.
- šāāļøš¦ When combined with sports, caffeineās diuretic effects increase the risk of dehydration, heat illness, and cardiac strain.
- š« In one study, 68% of adolescents who consumed energy drinks reported heart palpitations, chest pain, or anxiety symptoms afterward.
- š« The American Academy of Pediatrics states clearly: āEnergy drinks pose potential health risks and should never be consumed by children or adolescents.ā
š These drinks are not hydration. They are not fuel. And they are not safe for growing bodies.
š¬ If youāre a parent, coach, or mentor ā talk to your kids. Read the labels. Share the facts. Letās model healthy choices and advocate for policies that keep these products out of schools and youth sports.
Because no game, no trend, no brand is worth risking a childās health.
