Specialists alert that high caffeine and sugar levels in energy drinks can harm adolescent health, urging parents to encourage healthier habits amid mounting concerns over long-term impacts.
Energy drinks can pose real risks for teenagers, with specialists warning that the high caffeine and sugar content can affect the heart, sleep and long-term health. Prof. Dr. Selim Kurtoğlu, a paediatric endocrinology specialist at Memorial Kayseri Hospital, said excessive consumption among adolescents can create serious problems, particularly because these drinks are often marketed as harmless pick-me-ups rather than stimulant-heavy products.
Kurtoğlu said the caffeine load in energy drinks can be especially concerning for young people, noting that adolescents should not exceed 100 mg a day. He warned that too much caffeine may cause insomnia, trembling, restlessness, palpitations and reflux, and said it can also narrow blood vessels in the brain. His comments reflect broader guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises teenagers to avoid energy drinks altogether.
The specialist also pointed to ingredients such as guarana and ginseng, which can add to the stimulant effect. The CDC similarly notes that many energy drinks contain added stimulants alongside caffeine, and says these products can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and contribute to anxiety, dehydration and disturbed sleep. The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health has also warned that energy drinks may cause heart rhythm problems and other cardiovascular effects.
Kurtoğlu said the sugar content is another major concern. He argued that excessive intake of fructose and sucrose can contribute to inactivity, obesity and, over time, type 2 diabetes. He added that fructose can promote fatty liver disease, which may increase the risk of diabetes later in life. The CDC and Johns Hopkins Medicine have both highlighted the role of added sugars in making energy drinks particularly problematic for children and adolescents.
Dentist and medical groups have also warned that the drinks can damage oral health and worsen reflux because of their acidic ingredients. Kurtoğlu urged parents to keep energy drinks out of children’s routines and to encourage healthier habits, including regular meals, adequate sleep and daily physical activity. His message was simple: occasional use should not turn into a habit, especially during the years when children are still growing and developing.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
