The potential negative health effects of regularly drinking caffeinated energy drinks are in the spotlight following the recent publication of a Danish report. The investigation conducted by the National Food Institute found that consumption of the drinks by children very quickly resulted in children exceeding the maximum recommended level of caffeine, which is currently 2.5mg per kg of body weight per day.
The researchers found that 42 per cent of consumers experienced negative side-effects such as insomnia, heart palpitations and anxiety, and there is a worrying lack of knowledge and awareness among both children and adults of the ingredients in energy drinks. The study also showed those drinking energy drinks were more likely to take out unhealthy lifestyles such as be overweight or smoke. Current advice suggests children, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume energy drinks, but as the drinks continue to gain in popularity, more research is called for to determine their long-term health effects for all.