Turkish paediatric endocrinologist warns that high caffeine and sugar levels in energy drinks pose serious health risks for young people, urging parents to promote healthier habits.
Energy drinks can pose a particular risk for children and teenagers because of their high caffeine content, a paediatric endocrinologist in Turkey has warned. Prof Selim Kurtoğlu of Memorial Kayseri Hospital said excessive use among adolescents can trigger a range of health problems, including sleep disruption, shaking, restlessness, palpitations and reflux. He said the caffeine load in these drinks can be especially troubling because it may also narrow blood vessels in the brain.
Kurtoğlu also pointed to the other ingredients commonly found in these products. He said sugar-rich formulations can add to inactivity and weight gain, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes over time. Fructose, he added, can contribute to fatty liver disease, which may lay the groundwork for later metabolic illness. His concerns are consistent with broader medical guidance. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says energy drinks are heavily marketed as products that boost alertness and performance, but large amounts of caffeine can raise heart rate and blood pressure and may lead to heart rhythm disturbances.
Health specialists have also cautioned that the combination of caffeine, sugar and herbal additives such as guarana and ginseng can create more risk than many parents realise. The Mayo Clinic says caffeine can affect blood sugar control differently from person to person, while the American Diabetes Association advises people to watch the sugar content in beverages that can push glucose levels higher. Healthline’s review of energy drinks notes that these drinks often contain caffeine, sugar, B vitamins and herbal extracts, and that they have been linked to heart rhythm problems, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate.
Kurtoğlu urged parents not to let energy drinks become a habit for children. He said families should prioritise healthy eating, regular sleep and daily physical activity, rather than encouraging products that can undermine growth and contribute to obesity. That advice is increasingly reflected in medical reporting on severe caffeine exposure, including a recent case highlighted by Live Science in which a man suffered a stroke after drinking several high-strength energy drinks a day. While that case involved an adult, it underlines the dangers of very high caffeine intake, especially when other ingredients are added to the mix.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
