Physician Organizations against Energy Drinks to Children

Jojy Cheriyan MD;MPH- 25 September 2013

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has come out in strong opposition to high-energy drinks to children and agreed to work with the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) to establish definitions for energy drinks. Free sample distribution of energy drinks by some companies in various malls, shopping festivals, sports competitions and wholes sale shops like Costco should immediately be restricted to adults only(over 18 years old). Children are tempted to try these drinks after tasting the samples and should be discouraged.

Studies have shown the high caffeine and high sodium contents in these energy drinks that can have harmful effects on children's health. These drinks may cause loss of sleep, impulsive behavior, poor attention due to the caffeine; and high sodium leading to increased blood pressure. More evidence is evolving about the harmful effects of energy drinks even among adults and little evidence is seen over the safety of energy drinks.

The FDA is in the midst of examining the safety of high-caffeine drinks such as Monster, Rockstar and Red Bull. Michael Taylor JD, the deputy commissioner of FDA, told the Institute of Medicine (IOM) workshop last month that no clear evidence existed on the safety of energy drinks

The American Medical Association's (AMA) policy-making House of Delegates, this summer, voted to support a ban on marketing of high stimulant, caffeine drinks and energy drinks to children under the age of 18.

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