Back to School Caffeinated Teens

Some energy drinks on the market — such as Prime Energy pack a whopping 200 mg. of caffeine per 12-oz.

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

From coffee to soda to energy drinks and energy shots, teens have plenty of options to get a burst of energy.

Terry Ratzlaff writing for The New York Times stated that energy drink sales in the US have swelled from $12 billion to $19 billion in the past five years.

But drinking these in excess can mask health problems and cause still other health issues among teens.

Dana Ingebretson, registered dietitian and the chairwoman of the wellness department at Neighborhood Health Center in Buffalo, listed sleep disturbances as one of the effects caffeine can have on teens.

“Teenagers should get between 8-10 hours of sleep because they’re in a time of high growth and development,” Ingebretson said. “Lack of sleep can lead to challenges with development, poor mental health problems with attention and behavior, diabetes and obesity. It can also impact hyperactivity and anxiety.”

She added that there aren’t recommendations for caffeine for children.

“That doesn’t mean kids can’t occasionally enjoy a soda or other kind of drink,” she said. “We want to promote water first, water the most, for hydration.”

Caffeine can also affect heart rate and blood pressure. Rachel Simson, registered dietitian and owner of Buffalo Dietitian, said that it stimulates the nervous system and can potentially affect cardiovascular health and lead to heart palpitations. Caffeine can also affect behavior, especially of tweens and younger teens.

“The effects of caffeine on the body may begin as fast as 15 minutes after ingestion and last up to six hours,” she said.

She added that it can also increase stomach acid secretion, production of urine and blood flow to the skin and extremities, as well as stunt brain development if consumed from a young age. .

“Caffeine may cause the body to lose calcium,” Simson said. “Consuming too much caffeine could lead to bone loss over time. Caffeine may worsen underlying health issues, like heart problems. It can also interact with certain medications and or supplements.”

Instead of using caffeine as an energy source, she recommends boosting energy by getting enough sleep, drinking water all day for hydration and snacking on foods such as fresh fruit with yogurt; banana and nut butter; whole grain crackers with sliced cheese; or baby carrots and hummus.

Some teens reach for a cola or energy drink to replenish themselves while working out or playing sports. Many of these beverages contain high levels of sugar or artificial sweeteners.

“For athletes, make sure to focus on recovery and optimal fuel for practices and games,” she said. “If you continue to struggle with poor energy levels, please see your provider or meet with a registered dietitian.”

Drinking these caffeinated beverages can cause further dehydration as caffeine is a diuretic, meaning that it causes the body to create more urine.

The latest versions of energy drinks try to spin a healthier image for energy drinks, such as Celsius, which is made with things like ginger, green tea and vitamins. There’s also Prime Energy, a sugar-free drink with electrolytes, supplements—and a whopping 200 mg. of caffeine per 12-oz. can, equivalent to two 8-oz. cups of black coffee. Many parents confuse this beverage with the caffeine-free Prime Hydration, a sports drink.

This year, longtime sports hydrator Gatorade introduced Fast Twitch, a fruity, sugar-free drink that offers even more caffeine.

To consume all of this caffeine, teens must drink a 12-oz. energy drink; however, energy shots are highly concentrated sources of caf-