No energy drinks for kids Discounters stop the sale

No energy drinks for children: Dutch discounters stop selling

In the Netherlands, some discounters will no longer sell energy drinks to children under 14 from October 2018. The reason for this decision was growing concern about the consequences of the consumption of these drinks. In the UK, discounters had already stopped selling to under-16s in March. In Lithuania, a law has been in place since 2014 that energy drinks should not be given to minors.

Energy drinks with 32 milligrams per 100 milliliters have a significantly higher caffeine content than, for example, cola drinks. In addition, other substances such as taurine, inositol and glucuronolactone and often high levels of sugar are included. For these reasons, such drinks are not recommended for children. Even if consumption is viewed critically, there is currently no planned age restriction on the sale of energy drinks in Germany. By law, however, the high caffeine content must be marked.

If it is more than 150 mg per liter, the statement "Increased caffeine content, not recommended for children and pregnant or lactating women" is required. Also, the actual caffeine content (in mg / 100 ml) must be on the label.

Caffeine increases the heart rate and stimulates the central nervous system. In high doses, concentration disorders and inner restlessness can result. For children, a single dose of no more than 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight is considered safe. This would be critical for a 10-year-old who weighs about 30 kilograms, even a 250-ml can of one energy drink per day. In addition, consumption associated with exercise seems to be a risk. Just because of the high sugar content, energy drinks are not thirst quenchers. Heike Kreutz, bzfe