Energy Drinks and Adverse Health Events in Children and Adolescents: A Literature Review

Abstract

This review aims to investigate and summarize adverse health events in children and adolescents associated with energy drink (ED) consumption, while also exploring the impact of simultaneous trigger factors and/or preexisting health conditions. We searched the database of PubMed, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for cases associated with ED consumption in minors up to 9 May 2023. The literature written in English met inclusion criteria if patients were <18 years of age and the ED consumption was confirmed. Records, relevant articles, and reports that met all inclusion criteria were fully read by two researchers. In total, 18 cases reporting adverse health events were included. Of those, 45% affected the cardiovascular system, 33% the neuropsychological system, and 22% other organ systems. In 33% of cases, additional triggers were reported. In 44% preexisting health conditions were present. This literature review suggests that ED intake may well be associated with adverse health events in minors. The cardiovascular and the neuropsychiatric systems seem to be predisposed. ED consumption in combination with potential trigger factors or in the presence of preexisting health conditions appears to be critical. To prevent adverse health events in the future, children and adolescents should be informed about risk factors and responsible consumption behaviors.

Keywords: adolescents; adverse health events; caffeine; cardiovascular; children; energy drinks; neuropsychiatric.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of literature search and selection process.

Figure 2

Affected organ systems, potential triggers, and preexisting health conditions associated with adverse health events after ED consumption (n = 18). (a) Affected organ system, (b) potential triggers (coffee/cannabis/alcohol and baseline stimulant medication/alcohol and cardiovascular exercise), (c) preexisting health conditions (fatigue/fainting episodes/questionable myopericarditis/history of myocarditis (confirmed by biopsy)/generalized epilepsy/ADHD, asthma, allergies/seasonal allergies/liver transplantation and re-transplantation), (d) potential triggers and preexisting health conditions.