Scientists have made a shocking discovery that suggests that the intake of high-sugar or caffeine energy drinks is linked with an increased risk of mental health issues, particularly among children, the Sun reported citing a new study.
The study, published in the Public Health Journal, looked at how energy drinks affect children’s mental and physical health.
Researcher Dr Shelina Visram of Newcastle University said: “We are deeply concerned about the findings that energy drinks can lead to psychological distress and issues with mental health. These are important public health concerns that need to be addressed.”
The study analysed data from 51 studies that involved 1.2 million children from around the world.
It suggests boys consume more of the fizzy stuff than girls.
In addition, they found that kids who drink are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as illegal drug taking, and violence.
The fizzy drinks also raise the odds of poor academic performance, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy dietary habits.
William Roberts, of the Royal Society for Public Health UK, said: “This important review adds to the growing evidence that energy drinks can harm children and young people’s physical and mental health, both in the short and long term.
“That’s why we need the UK Government to step up and deliver on its 2019 commitment to ban sales of energy drinks to under 16s.”
In May 2023, a primary school in Newport issued a warning notice to all parents following a pupil having a ‘cardiac episode’ and having to have their stomach pumped after drinking a can of Prime Energy by influencer Logan Paul.
