Watch "Energy" Drink Consumption
Not a Healthy Choice for Kids of any Age
by Kathy Pinkava, RN
June 04, 2008
There has been an explosion of caffeine laden products onto the market in recent years. Coffee drinks, colas and "energy drinks" are not necessarily marketed to kids, but can be attractive and readily available to them. Beyond the problems of too much caffeine, sugar (empty calories!), the high cost (2 or 3 dollars a can) and the risk of caffeine addiction that all of these products present, energy drinks can actually be toxic in large quantities.Some have added ingredients such as herbs, vitamins, and amino acids- none of which have a appropriate "daily dosage" for adults, let alone growing kids. These can raise blood pressure and pulse and cause heart rhythm disturbances, headaches and upset stomachs.
Too much caffeine can lead to attention difficulties and inappropriate behavior and not the focus and attention to task that may be hoped for. It is easy to see how this could adversely affect classroom performance. Too much caffeine during the day can also lead to difficulties sleeping at night and getting up in the morning.
There is not currently an active ban on these drinks at Berkshire High School if students bring them in for lunch, but we are watching for classroom problems related to the use and abuse of these products and will consider a ban if needed. They can not purchase any of these products at school or consume them in class. We would certainly expect these not to be a part of an elementary student's healthy lunch or snack!
A recent New York Times article also highlights a study that shows that the overuse of these products may be a red flag for other high risk behaviors in teens. You can find the article at Default Hyperlink Text.
