Energy Drinks May Pose Health Risks for Youth
Monday, March 14, 2011
By: Euna Lhee, HealthyState.org

March 14, 2011 | WMFE - Kids who drink too many of today's increasingly popular energy drinks may be at risk for serious health problems. That's according to new research from the University of Miami.

Remember the Amp Energy, Rockstar and Red Bull commercials on TV?

Apparently, the drinks that give you wings could also cause serious health problems, especially for children, adolescents and young adults. University of Miami researchers reviewed 121 reports on energy drinks, published in scientific journals and newspapers. They found that in extreme cases, high levels of caffeine, mixed with other ingredients in the beverages, led to heart problems, seizures and even death.

"The biggest problem is that some kids actually died," lead researcher Steven Lipshultz said. "It’s not been something that the federal government has tracked in the United States."

The study was published in the March issue of Pediatrics.

The American Beverage Association rejects the report, saying energy drinks are no worse than coffee or other caffeinated beverages.