Poison Control Centers See Increase in Calls About Children’s Overconsumption of Energy Drinks, Data Shows

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Calls to poison centers for children consuming energy drinks jumped 20% in the past year, leading to potentially dangerous consequences, according to data from U.S. poison centers.

“It’s so simple. You go to the gas station, you go to a vending machine, and that’s what’s filled with these energy drinks,” says Dr. Thomas O’Brien. “The marketing is incredible, not only for teenagers, but also for pre-teens and kids who are into it…”

Among children, the number of calls regarding overconsumption of energy drinks has jumped.

The number of calls to U.S. poison centers increased by about 20% in 2023 after years of stagnation, according to data from U.S. poison centers.

The U.S. Poison Control Centers, which accredits and represents 55 poison centers nationwide, said calls about children consuming energy drinks increased from 2,168 in 2022 to 2,694 in 2023. About 48% of cases among young people children were unintentional, and the case rate among children between the ages of 6 and 12 almost doubled.

“I see a misconception that this is the biggest problem,” says Dr. O’Brien. “People are pretty aware of the caffeine content. People know initially that it’s probably the stimulant they’re consuming, but they don’t know how much a typical cup of coffee contains between 70 and 150 milligrams of caffeine. For example, typical energy drinks have between 150 and 300, so a double dose and it’s just a can and many kids drink more than that, or adults do too.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Food and Drug Administration do not recommend that children or adolescents consume energy drinks due to the high risk of caffeine-related complications.

Several signs may indicate a caffeine overdose or poisoning, including:

• an increase in heart rate
• heart palpitations
• increased blood pressure
• nausea or anxiety

Children with caffeine intoxication may also experience rapid breathing or tremors.

“What they don’t know is the downside of mixing these chemicals in their body, not only with the caffeine content and sugar I mentioned, maybe the drugs are already on prescription , some of which are now mixed with alcohol and potentially other herbal supplements and additives that have special effects,” says Dr. O’Brien. turns into chemicals that adjust the body’s balance, electrical balance, hormonal balance of the body These can have adverse downstream effects. People have suffered cardiac arrest and others have died from it. an overdose linked to this energy consumption.

If a child or adult develops symptoms after consuming an energy drink, they or someone nearby should seek medical attention immediately.

If you have any questions about poisoning or need emergency help, you can contact Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.

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