The NIH says almost one third of teenagers consume energy drinks regularly. These drinks are most commonly the ones you can buy at a store such as Celcius, Redbull, Monster, and even coffee. While the caffeine can be mesmerizing, it does have concerning negative effects.

Pros:
Improves mood
Zero calorie options
Energy boost
Fast moderated caffeine
Post workout recovery drink
Attitude improvement

Cons:
Heart race increase
Stress levels rise
Anxiety
Restlessness
Trouble sleeping
Aneurysms
Heart attacks
Difference in metabolism, cholesterol, blood sugars, and weight
Poor mental health
Tooth decaying
Diabetes
Substance abuse
Kidney damage

With these factors in mind would you continue to drink energy drinks?

In my opinion I would not. While the positive effects sound intriguing, the mere fact that you could get diabetes and decaying teeth scares me enough to not want to drink. While the overload of caffeine to stay awake is tempting, I personally would rather have a slightly healthier option like coffee.

WHS nurse Ms. Kelland also agrees. In a statement by email, Ms. Kellend shares: “There are absolutely no benefits to teenagers drinking energy drinks. These products have far higher caffeine levels than a cup of coffee. The harmful side effects are:
*Can cause heart rhythm disturbances which can be life threatening; they elevate your heart rate and blood pressure.
*They can have a negative effect on a teen’s developing brain and heart.
*They cause sleep disturbances.
*They cause digestive problems.
*They can make you have feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and feeling jittery.
*Teens who drink energy drinks tend to engage in more risk taking behaviors. Mixing alcohol with energy drinks is one of them. One may not be aware of how intoxicated they are with this mix.
*There tends to be sugar overloaded in these drinks as well which is also harmful.”

Schoolwide you will often see people with energy drinks in their hands when walking around. I’m sure many students are probably aware of some of the dangerous side effects, but have chosen to keep on drinking them because of their energy provided.

Ms. Kelland says, “I see students who feel sick from drinking coffee and energy drinks at times. They do not feel well at all: jittery, stomach upset, unable to focus, sometimes chest pain, heart palpitations as well.”

Sources Used:

Energy drinks: Health downsides not worth the extra pep

https://play.decathlon.co.uk/articles/what-are-the-benefits-of-energy-drinks

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/energy-drinks