McKinnonNEWS

HEALTH

WHAT PUTS THE ENERGY IN ENERGY DRINKS?

Australian teenagers are hooked on caffeine, from trendy flat whites to those brightly coloured energy drinks promising to be either a ‘quick fix’ or a performance enhancer. According to most recent Australian research, the energy drink buzz comes with a major health cost and potential learning implications. 

  • 75% of Aussie adults drink coffee daily, normalising caffeine use;

  • 56% of Australians over the age of 14 years consume coffee weekly;

  • 8% of Australian students aged between 12 - 17 years, consume energy drinks weekly.

The effects that caffeine has on a teenager’s mind and body?

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant with significant health consequences. While adults may appreciate a boost that blocks drowsiness, teenagers are far more vulnerable to increased health concerns including:

 

Increased anxiety and nervousness: Due to smaller body weights, teenagers experience stronger effects of caffeine. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) warns of increased anxiety at just 3mg of caffeine per kilogram of bodyweight. This translates to roughly two cans of cola for younger teenagers, and three cups of instant coffee for older teenagers.

 

Insomnia and sleep disruption: Teenagers require 8-10 hours of sleep, however, most get far less. Caffeine drastically interferes with regular sleep cycles which is crucial for brain development. Research shows energy drink consumers are twice as likely to have sleep deprivation.

 

Impact on brain development: Caffeine disrupts the crucial neural connections formed during adolescence, negatively impacting a learner's ability to concentrate and strengthen memory and recall.

 

Increased mental health risks: Sleep deprivation from caffeine consumption can worsen existing mental health issues and contribute to new ones, such as anxiety and depression.

 

Dependence and withdrawal: Regular caffeine use leads to dependence, with withdrawal symptoms including headaches and fatigue.

 

Long-term heart health: High caffeine intake (six+ coffees daily) increases heart disease risk by 22%.

Energy Drinks - A double dose of danger

  • Energy drinks contain excessive amounts of caffeine, up to 160 milligrams.

  • Energy drinks contain excessive amounts of sugar, up to 21 teaspoons = 105 grams.

  • The sugar-caffeine combo leads to mood swings and "crashes," negatively impacting behaviour and nutritional choices.

  • One in three Australian teenagers consume three or more sugary beverages every week.

  • Consuming too much caffeine, especially from sugary drinks, displaces nutrient rich foods.

Protecting our teenagers’ health and wellbeing and supporting them to be lifelong learners

 

Ms Carmen Moloney 

Health Learning Area Manager  

 

Reference: Should teenagers be drinking coffee and energy drinks? | HCF, accessed 26/2/2005