New Study Adds Weight to the Call for Banning Energy Drinks for Children

 

Call for Complete Ban on Energy Drinks for Children Reinforced by New Study

A review of the latest evidence on the impact of energy drinks on health strongly advocates for a complete ban on their sale to young people and children in the UK. The findings indicate heightened risks, including anxiety, stress, and even suicidal thoughts, associated with the consumption of these beverages.

Typically marketed as a source of energy due to high caffeine and sugar levels, energy drinks have prompted most UK supermarkets to voluntarily restrict sales to those under 16. A proposed complete ban, extending to smaller shops, online retailers, and vending machines, was suggested in 2019 in both England and Scotland.

While awaiting a comprehensive response from health ministers in England, the review prompted 40 health-related organizations to address Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, urging further restrictions on energy drink sales.

The letter emphasizes that many of these drinks contain substantial caffeine levels, reaching up to 160-200mg per can—double the amount found in an average cup of coffee. Despite labels warning against their suitability for children, these beverages remain easily accessible to those under 18, raising concerns among researchers and experts.

With the energy drink market growing significantly, up to a third of UK children reportedly consume them weekly. The review, led by Dr. Amelia Lake, analyzed 57 recent studies involving over a million children from 21 countries, highlighting the harmful impact on mental and physical health, behavior, and education.

While the study couldn't definitively prove a direct causation between energy drinks and health issues, it underscores the importance of addressing potential risks. Boys were found to be more frequent consumers than girls, and regular intake correlated with drug use, violent behavior, unsafe sex, sleep problems, poor academic performance, and an unhealthy diet.

Dr. Lake emphasized the urgent need for action to protect children from these identified risks, given the robust evidence. Although the research cannot establish a direct causal link, the observed associations are noteworthy and based on the best available evidence.

The review also emphasized that countries like Latvia and Lithuania have already banned energy drink sales to children. While England and Scotland proposed a ban in 2019, the outcomes of these measures are yet to be assessed.

The study also highlighted that energy drinks contain high sugar content, which can contribute to dental issues and obesity. The Department of Health and Social Care noted that larger retailers and supermarkets have voluntarily restricted sales to children under 16, pending the government's full response.

William Roberts from the Royal Society for Public Health emphasized the growing evidence of harm to children's physical and mental health and urged the UK government to fulfill its 2019 commitment to banning energy drink sales to those under 16.

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