CHILDREN and young people who guzzle energy drinks are more at risk of suicidal thoughts, new analysis shows.
Scientists found high-caffeine, high-sugar drinks are having a ‘detrimental’ impact on kids’ health and school outcomes.
Young people who drink are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such violence and unsafe sex
The large study, published in the Public Health Journal, looked at how energy drinks affect children’s mental and physical health.
It adds to a growing body of research which suggests caffeinated drinks can cause a string of health problems for children, including head and stomach aches to being a ‘gateway’ to booze.
Study author Dr Shelina Visram of Newcastle University said: “We are deeply concerned about the findings that energy drinks can lead to psychological distress and issues with mental health.
“These are important public health concerns that need to be addressed.”
The study analysed data from 51 studies that involved 1.2million children from around the world.
It suggests boys consume more of the fizzy stuff than girls.
Kids who drink are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as illegal drug taking, violence, and unsafe sex, they found.
The fizzy drinks also raise the odds of poor academic performance, sleep problems, anxiety, depression and unhealthy dietary habits.
The average energy drink can has the same amount of caffeine as an espresso shot. They also contain other active ingredients, such as guarana and taurine.
A moderate daily caffeine intake of up to 400mg is recommended for adults, but little research exists on tolerable levels for adolescents and children.
Typical cans also contain more than a child’s daily added sugar limit recommended by the NHS (19-24g per day, depending on age).
William Roberts, of the Royal Society for Public Health, said: “This important review adds to the growing evidence that energy drinks can harm children and young people’s physical and mental health, both in the short and long term.
“That’s why we need the UK Government to step up and deliver on its 2019 commitment to ban sales of energy drinks to under 16s.
“In doing so, it would not only be following the evidence but also following the example of countries that have already restricted sales to children, a move supported by the majority of the public.”
Ministers proposed to ban energy drink sales to under 16s in 2019, but have yet to implement it.
Many UK retailers voluntarily refuse to allow young people to buy the beverages.