Image Source: Inside Hook
Johannesburg – Dietitian Faaizah Laher warns that teens under the age of 16 need to be careful when it comes to consuming energy drinks, citing serious health risks linked to caffeine, sugar, and stimulants.
Laher, based at Garden City Clinic in Johannesburg and founder of Dietician Eats, has raised concerns about the growing consumption of these products among young people.
Energy drinks have become a popular choice among teenagers, often marketed as quick fixes for energy, focus, and performance.
Laher said the dangers behind these drinks can have severe consequences for young bodies still in development.
“The reason for banning is that energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar and stimulants like taurine, which can elevate the heart rate and blood pressure, potentially increasing the risk of arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest, especially when consumed in excess or by those with underlying conditions.”
Peer Influence and Social Pressures
According to Laher, peer influence often drives younger consumers to try these products. The desire to fit in and the perception of enhanced energy levels fuel this growing trend. Still, she explained that what appears harmless can be very damaging.
“Everybody wants to get onto the bandwagon because they feel so great. They feel so energetic, and this potentially can be very, very harmful because of the stimulants and the effects that it has on the body.”
She noted that the problem worsens during exam periods, when teens seek extra stamina to stay awake and study.
Many turn to caffeine-laden drinks, thinking it will help them perform better, yet Laher said the opposite often occurs.
“During exam season, many teens lean on coffee, tea, or other energy drinks to stay awake. But caffeine can actually backfire on your study plan.”
Long-Term Health Impacts
Laher also raised an alarm over the long-term health impacts. She explained that extended use of energy drinks carries significant risks for cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic health in teenagers.
“The big one is cardiovascular health because it can cause persistent high blood pressure, increased heart rates, arrhythmia risks and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
In addition, Laher said excessive sugar consumption compounds the problem. She warned that many children consume unhealthy levels through drinks, sweets, and tuck shop snacks, fuelling obesity and diabetes at younger ages.
“The amount of sugar our children eat is definitely concerning because of the effect it has on obesity and overweight children. We are seeing diabetes in children and teens much, much earlier these days.”
She stressed that safe alternatives exist. According to Laher, healthier options such as proper sleep, hydration, and balanced meals are far more effective for sustaining energy and supporting performance.
“You want to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep… starting their day with a great high protein, high-fibre breakfast and carrying a good nutritious snack to school.”
Laher issued a strong warning. She said energy drinks may look harmless, but their health risks for young people are profound and lasting.
“Energy drinks might look harmless on the shelf, but the truth is that they do carry a very real risk, especially for children and teenagers.”
