By Nanci Hellmich, USA TODAY
Some young people gulp drinks such as Red Bull, Full Throttle and
Rockstar to boost their energy, concentration and athletic performance.
But the caffeinated energy drinks don't appear to
provide the purported benefits and can cause problems, including
serious medical complications, says a review of the scientific
literature published online today in Pediatrics.
The
paper is already drawing criticism from the beverage industry, which
says energy drinks have no more caffeine than a cup of coffee and aren't
widely used by kids and teens.
Steven Lipshultz, chair of pediatrics at the University of Miami
School of Medicine, and colleagues reviewed 121 scientific studies,
government reports and media sources on energy drinks — different from
sports drinks, vitamin waters and sodas.
Energy
drinks usually contain 70 to 80 milligrams of caffeine per 8-oz.
serving, more than double many cola drinks. Energy drinks also may
contain guarana, a plant that contains caffeine, taurine (an amino
acid), vitamins, herbal supplements and sweeteners.
Surveys
show that 30% to 50% of teens and young adults consume energy drinks,
but "we didn't see evidence that drinks have beneficial effects in
improving energy, weight loss, stamina, athletic performance and
concentration," Lipshultz says.
And the
research shows that children and teens — especially those with
cardiovascular, renal or liver disease, seizures, diabetes, mood and
behavior disorders and hyperthyroidism — are at a higher risk for health
complications from these drinks, says Lipshultz, a pediatric
cardiologist.
He encourages pediatricians and parents to talk to kids and teens about whether they should be drinking such beverages.
Maureen
Storey of the American Beverage Association, an industry group, said in
a statement that "this literature review does nothing more than
perpetuate misinformation about energy drinks, their ingredients and the
regulatory process."
She says government data
indicate that the "caffeine consumed from energy drinks for those under
the age of 18 is less than the caffeine derived from all other sources
including soft drinks, coffee and teas."
Red
Bull said in a statement that the study "largely ignores in its
conclusions the genuine, scientifically rigorous examination of energy
drinks by reputable national authorities. ... The effects of caffeine
are well-known, and as an 8.4-oz. can of Red Bull contains
