Energy Drinks: 5 Side Effects on Teenagers You Need to Know

The truth is—teenagers today are often more stressed than ever before. With long school hours, sports, and late-night study sessions, energy drinks have become an instant fix for immediate alertness and stamina. The real question is—are they actually safe?

Unfortunately, energy drinks are loaded with caffeine, sugar, and artificial stimulants, promising an instant energy level boost within minutes. However, behind their flashy promises and appealing designs, they are actually a cause of health concern, especially for growing teens. In fact, even the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against energy drinks for children and teens.

Therefore, it is important to understand what these energy drinks really do to your teen’s body. Read this article to explore five major side effects of energy drinks that every teenager must know about.

One of the most immediate effects of energy drinks is an unnatural spike in heart rate and blood pressure. Since these beverages contain high doses of caffeine—yes, more than a strong cup of coffee. Did you know that a single can of an energy drink can have somewhere between 80 to 300 mg of caffeine while the recommended daily intake for teens is no more than 100 mg?

In another study, it has been found that consuming energy drinks can increase blood pressure by up to 10 percent within just 90 minutes. This eventually puts immense strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of irregular heartbeats and other heart-related issues.

Teenagers already struggle with sleep due to school stress and screen time. But energy drinks make it even worse. The caffeine content in these drinks blocks adenosine, which makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

In a clinical study, it was noted that teens who consumed energy drinks were 2.5 times more likely to be at a significantly higher risk of experiencing sleep disturbances, thus leading to irritability, difficulty in focusing, and weak immunity.

Yes, energy drinks do not just affect your body—they affect your brain too. The  reason? The combination of high caffeine, sugar, and artificial stimulants can cause a sudden rush of energy, ultimately resulting in anxiety and mood swings.

In fact, high caffeine intake in teens is associated with increased stress, nervousness, and panic attacks in several studies.

Overall, for teenagers, energy drinks only add to the mental strain.

One of the most overlooked dangers of energy drinks is their extremely high sugar content. A single can can contain about 25 to 60 grams of sugar; that’s almost double the recommended daily limit for teens.

Excess sugar not only causes sudden blood sugar spikes and crashes but also leads to weight gain and a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teens who consume sugary drinks daily have a significantly higher risk of developing obesity.

Last but not least, teenagers who regularly consume energy drinks may develop an increased dependency on caffeine. This addiction may result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and mood swings when they try to cut down.

The fact is—caffeine dependence in teens is another growing concern, and nearly 50 percent of energy drink consumers experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop.

Therefore, health experts recommend avoiding caffeine-heavy drinks and instead try refreshing alternatives such as coconut water or lemon-infused water.

Energy drinks may look promising, but their side effects on teens are undeniable. From heart problems to anxiety, obesity, and addiction, these energy drinks pose risks that are too severe to ignore. The best approach is to rely on natural, homemade alternatives, including smoothies, protein-packed snacks, and naturally flavored water to keep your energy levels up all the time.