Concerns about energy drink consumption by children

The Australian Consumers Association has warned of the dangers that popular energy drinks can pose for children.

The ACA magazine Choice says that energy drinks can contain up to 130mg of caffeine per serving, compared to the 90mg of caffeine in a cup of strong black instant coffee with no sugar or 80mg of caffeine in a non-sugared cappuccino.

According to the ACA most adults can safely consume 300mg of caffeine a day but children are advised to stay away from caffeine as they can experience disturbed sleep patterns, bed-wetting and anxiety. Most energy drinks carry labels warning they are not suitable for children.

The Choice magazine article is Energy Drinks.

HealthInsite has a Caffeine topics page  linking to resources on caffeine.

Created September 14 2005

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