New Delhi: The rising popularity of energy drinks among young people is ringing alarm bells in the medical community. Once seen as a quick source of refreshment and vitality, these colorful cans of caffeine and sugar are now under scrutiny for potentially posing grave health risks to children and adolescents.
According to recent research, energy drinks may impair both the physical and mental growth of children. They are particularly harmful to developing organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain, say doctors. Packed with excessive caffeine, sugar, and other legal stimulants, these drinks are not designed for young, growing bodies.
Key Health Concerns Highlighted
1. Dehydration and Kidney Damage
Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, a diuretic that increases urine output and causes the body to lose essential fluids. This leads to dehydration, placing additional stress on the kidneys. In children, whose kidneys are still maturing, this can lead to acute kidney injury.
2. Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
High levels of sodium, phosphoric acid, and fructose found in energy drinks contribute to the formation of kidney stones. These ingredients promote the buildup of crystals and compounds that form painful stones in the urinary tract.
3. Long-Term Kidney Dysfunction
Regular consumption of energy drinks, rich in sugar and artificial sweeteners, increases the risk of obesity and diabetes—both key contributors to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Additionally, the phosphoric acid commonly used in these drinks is associated with kidney calcification and bone weakness.
4. Elevated Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
The stimulants in energy drinks not only affect the kidneys but also raise blood pressure and heart rate. This increased cardiovascular activity can impair kidney function further and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in the long run.
5. Mental Health Impacts and Sleep Disruption
Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics have long maintained that energy drinks are unsuitable for children and teens. The excess caffeine can impair impulse control, disrupt sleep, and increase anxiety. These impacts are even more pronounced in children due to their smaller body size and developing nervous systems.
Expert Warnings
Dr. Jain, a senior pediatric nephrologist, explains, “Most energy drinks contain between 150 to 300 mg of caffeine per serving—significantly more than a standard cup of coffee. This high caffeine content can overload the kidneys, leading to dehydration, hypertension, and even acute renal failure.”
He added that chronic use of these drinks could eventually lead to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and long-term renal damage. The combined impact of sugar, caffeine, and synthetic additives on growing bodies is “deeply concerning,” he emphasized.
Healthier Alternatives for Children
Parents are urged to guide their children toward natural and nutritious beverage options. Some recommended alternatives include:
-
Unsweetened coconut water
-
Freshly diluted 100% fruit juices
-
Low-fat milk or plant-based milk substitutes
-
Herbal teas or green tea (in moderation)
-
Homemade smoothies with fresh fruits
Dr. Jain advises parents to instill the habit of drinking plain water regularly. “Start by serving water with meals, avoiding sugary drinks at home, and explaining the health consequences of energy drinks in simple terms your child can understand,” he said.
While energy drinks may offer a temporary boost in alertness or endurance, their long-term effects on children are far from harmless. From kidney damage and high blood pressure to mental health disruptions and obesity, the risks far outweigh any short-term benefits.
Health professionals urge parents and schools to educate young people about the dangers of these beverages and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. The message is clear: for growing children, water and natural drinks are not just better—they’re essential.
