Even though the unhealthy contents of energy drinks are well known, over 68% of 11 to 18-year-olds drink highly caffeinated sugary drinks.

 

New studies from the Food Research Collaboration have found that a shocking number of teens are drinking energy drinks with 12% of under tens having admitted to drinking a litre bottle in one go.

 

The group is made up of academics from City University London and Durham University who yesterday published the report on how many of these drinks children consume.

 

The shocking findings have led to the group calling for legislation banning energy drinks from being sold to under 16s as well as banning all marketing which aims to target children and teens.

 

These energy drinks increase the risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes, and tooth decay according to nutritionists.

 

 

A member of the Food Research Collaboration, Dr Shelina Visram said of the results:

 

“Youth energy drink consumption is a growing public health concern due to the high caffeine and sugar contents of these drinks.

 

“More research is needed to understand the short and long-term effects in terms of health, well-being and educational outcomes.

 

“However, the available evidence indicates that these drinks are associated with a range of health complaints and risky behaviours in school-age children.

 

“Action is needed by local and national government to restrict the sale and marketing of these drinks to young people.”

 

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