High Caffeine Energy Drinks May Be Banned For Teens, Children in U.K.

Amid continuing concerns about the potential health risks associated with energy drinks, the government of the United Kingdom is considering a ban on the high caffeine beverages for minors under the age of 16, or even 18. 

The U.K.’s Department of Health and Social Care issued a press release last week, announcing that it is seeking comments from the public on the potential high caffeine energy drink ban, which prevent the same to youths throughout England. The plan has been put forward by U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May.

The U.K. government is seeking input from the public on which products should be restricted, what the age limit should be, whether the ban should affect vending machines and if there are more appropriate measures or measures that could be applied in addition to the proposed ban. The public has until November 21, 2018 to submit their views.

May indicates that she is concerned both about childhood obesity and the health risks of them consuming high levels of caffeine and sugar.

“With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children,” May said in the press release. “It is vital that we do all we can to make sure children have the best start in life and I encourage everyone to put forward their views.”

The press release indicates that many retailers in the U.K. have voluntarily stopped selling energy drinks to minors, however they are still available through some stores, such as convenience stores.

Energy Drink Health Concerns

Although products like Monster Energy, Red Bull, Rockstar and other beverages have become very popular among teens and young adults in recent years, a number of studies have found that consumption of only a couple energy drinks over a several week period can cause increased blood pressure and heart arrhythmias, which can cause long-term heart problems.

In March 2017, a study conduced by Australian researchers linked caffeinated energy drinks to heart problems that can cause rapid, irregular heartbeats in some consumers. The effects could result in fainting, seizures and even sudden death, the researchers warned.

A study published in April 2017 in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicated that those who consumed energy drinks experienced abnormal heart rhythms and prolonged elevated blood pressure, saying that the risks of energy drinks were different than just consuming caffeine alone.

According to the findings, two hours after consuming the drinks, those who were given the energy drink showed changes in the QT intervals of the heart, which affects the heart’s rhythm. Those changes were not seen in caffeine drinkers.

In March 2016, the American Heart Association indicated that the overuse of energy drinks could cause increased heart problems including heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrest and other potentially life-threatening complications.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in November 2015, found that consuming just one can of Rockstar energy drink led to an increased risk of heart problems and high blood pressure among young, healthy adults.

The FDA is currently investigating health concerns surrounding the drinks, after a number of adverse event reports were submitted in recent years connecting energy drinks to severe injuries and deaths.

According to information released in 2012, at least 37 adverse event reports had been received by the FDA involving health problems from Monster Energy drinks, including at least six deaths.

Amid aggressive marketing by the manufacturers, energy drink sales increased 240% between 2004 and 2009, and the number of caffeine overdose emergency room visits increased from 1,128 in 2005 to 16,055 in 2008. Approximately 56% of those visits involved individuals between the ages of 12 and 25 years.

In recent years, a number of energy drink lawsuits have been filed on behalf of otherwise healthy young adults who suffered sudden heart problems within hours after drinking the beverages, alleging that the manufacturers placed their desire for profits before the safety of consumers.