Getting an extra boost of caffeine from an energy drink may seem harmless, but the effects can be deadly for a young child. A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that there have been more than 2,500 cases of young children hospitalized for consuming energy drinks in the past three years. Specifically, children under the age of 6 have experienced serious symptoms including seizures, irregular heart rhythms and really high blood pressure.
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The study also found that cases of people being hospitalized due to drinking these energy boosters increased dramatically from 2005 to 2011–with 40 percent of those reported being children. Co-author of the study Dr. Steven Lipshultz explains, "They didn't go to a store and buy it; they found it in the refrigerator, or left by a parent or an older sibling." Imagine your child innocently grabbing an energy drink and having to deal with potentially deadly circumstances.
I find energy drinks to be way unhealthier than cracking open a can of your favorite soda. Sure, soda also isn't the greatest drink for young kids to consume, but you don't have to worry about them being hospitalized for it. I don't consume energy drinks often because I don't like the rush I get. My heart beats way too fast and I'm left feeling like I could run a marathon while sitting at my desk. I can't imagine what a little kid's body must feel like after downing one of those. The high level of caffeine mixed with other chemicals is just dangerous for young children.
The message needs to get out that these drinks are extremely dangerous for young kids. "If you ask most people, they'd say teenagers and young adults drink it, but children may be more susceptible," Lipshultz says. Parents need to be aware that energy drinks should be treated like alcohol in the household. It should be put away in a place that kids can't reach it. Better yet, just sticking to juice is probably a safe bet.
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