Energy drinks pose notable health concerns, particularly for children and teenagers whose bodies are still developing. Medical professionals emphasize that these beverages can produce rapid shifts in blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches. The cardiovascular system is strongly affected, and there is concern that such effects could lead to serious outcomes, including admission to intensive care in some cases. This warning comes from a narcologist, a psychiatrist, and the chief physician of a well-known addiction treatment clinic, during a discussion with a major broadcaster.
These tonic beverages contain ingredients like adrenaline-analog compounds and taurine, which can raise heart rate and blood pressure. The medical professional noted that when these heightened effects occur alongside physical activity or hyperactivity, the risk of harm increases. For youths who are already energetic or restless, the combination can provoke unsettling symptoms such as chest pain, faintness, or throat-tightness, underscoring why caution is advised for younger consumers.
Additionally, energy drinks often include a mix of sweeteners and additives that may provoke allergic reactions in some individuals, sometimes with more severe responses such as breathing difficulties or other anaphylactic-type symptoms. The same clinical source stressed that even without a severe reaction, an excessive or frequent intake of these sweeteners can cause irritation or discomfort in the digestive tract and contribute to a sense of unwellness that lasts beyond the initial consumption.
Beyond immediate symptoms, there is concern that regular consumption could influence metabolic and cardiovascular risk profiles over time. While the strongest warnings focus on acute events in the heart and circulation, researchers and clinicians also consider potential long-term effects on glucose regulation and overall metabolic health. The health professional warned that relying on high-caffeine beverages as a daily routine may align with an increased risk of hospital admission in vulnerable individuals and, in rare cases, could be life-threatening if underlying conditions are present.
In recent policy discussions, lawmakers have considered measures aimed at restricting the sale of non-alcoholic tonic beverages, including energy drinks, to minors. The rationale for such proposals points to concerns about mental health, cardiovascular strain, and the possibility of worsened health outcomes among younger populations. Public health advocates argue that limiting access could help reduce routine exposure and protect the developing bodies and minds of children and adolescents.