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Local – According to dietician Yandre Barnard, regular energy drink consumption can trigger a range of side effects in children and teenagers, from disrupted sleep to behavioural changes. These effects stem from the combination of high sugar content, caffeine, and other stimulants found in most energy drinks.
Barnard explained that because children and teenagers are still developing, their bodies respond differently to these substances than adults do. The side effects can appear quickly, even after moderate consumption.
“Short-term health risks which we are looking out for include cardiovascular impact on their hearts, sleep disruption… psychological and behavioural issues… combined with increased anxiety, especially in teenagers.”
The Long-Term Toll
Sustained use carries longer-term consequences that often go unnoticed by parents, beyond the immediate symptoms. These risks extend well past the energy boost most people associate with the drinks.
Barnard pointed to a wide range of conditions linked to extended use. The damage is not limited to physical health alone, and the psychological toll is just as significant as the physical one.
“Long-term health concerns… include mental health risks, the likelihood of depression and anxiety disorders, even dental damage, cardiovascular disease, and there can even be dependence.”
One of the more overlooked side effects is dependency, with withdrawal symptoms that mirror those seen with other addictive substances. This is notably alarming given how normalised energy drinks have become among young people.
“There can even be dependence as withdrawal symptoms can be experienced if a teenager suddenly stops drinking these energy drinks… it actually works the same way that withdrawal symptoms from other drugs do to the body.”
When Adults Are At Risk
Frequent high-volume consumption produces its own set of acute side effects in adults, often mistaken for unrelated health issues. Early recognition of these warning signs is key to preventing more serious complications.
These symptoms can surface suddenly and are frequently misread as unrelated stress or fatigue. People should not ignore the signs simply because they seem minor at first.
“Frequent consumption of these energy drinks actually can lead to acute caffeine intoxication and even behavioural shifts… You need to look out for increased heart rate, insomnia, sudden anxiety, aggression, even stomach aches and unexplained tremors and dizziness.”
