Energy drinks for children a taboo

Take caffeine intake into children
The intake of caffeine is particularly critical in children, which is why energy drinks are generally unsuitable for them, warns the consumer information service aid. In addition to sleep disorders, palpitations and increased anxiety, hyperactivity and disturbed attention are possible consequences of too high a caffeine intake in children. Also, "delayed effects on the health of the heart are being discussed more and more often," says the aid.

Although children usually do not drink coffee or tea, according to the Aid, parents should not "conclude that their offspring will not consume caffeine." In the meantime, even cocoa-flavored gummy candies are commercially available. The printed warning can easily be overread. In addition, caffeine is included in, for example, cola, energy drinks, cocoa or chocolate in varying amounts. Ice tea also has a caffeine content, which is often particularly difficult to determine, since the formulations are very different, reports the consumer information service aid.

Energy drinks are absolutely taboo for children because of the caffeine content. (Image: Snap2Art / fotolia.com)

Complaints due to high caffeine intake
The consequences of too high a caffeine intake are clearly noticeable even in adults. For example, sleep disorders, fast tachycardia and increased anxiety are related to possible symptoms associated with caffeine. In children, additional abnormalities such as hyperactivity and disturbed attention are added, explains the aid. In addition, possible long-term consequences for the heart health would be discussed. Even a small can of energy drink or half a liter of commercial cola contain far too much caffeine for a child weighing 30 kg, emphasizes the consumer information service. Frighteningly many children would drink more than that amount. In principle, energy drinks are not for children and coke should remain the exception, so the clear message of the aid. (Fp)