Energy drink-guzzling children more likely to be hyperactive, study finds

While it seems fairly obvious that children really don’t need energy drinks, new research has shown to just what extent they’re unnecessary in children’s diets. A Yale School of Public Health study has found that children who consume heavily sweetened energy drinks are 66% more likely to be at risk for hyperactivity and inattention symptoms.

The study surveyed 1649 middle-school students from Connecticut, finding that boys were more likely to consume energy drinks than girls and that black and Hispanic boys were more likely to consume these beverages than their white peers.

“As the total number of sugar-sweetened beverages increased, so too did risk for hyperactivity and inattention symptoms among our middle-school students. Importantly, it appears that energy drinks are driving this association, said Professor Jeannette Ickovics, director of CARE (Community Alliance for Research and Engagement).

“Our results support the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that parents should limit consumption of sweetened beverages and that children should not consume any energy drinks.”

Students in the study consumed an average of two sugar-sweetened beverages per day, with a range of zero to seven or more drinks. Health experts recommend children consume a maximum of 21 to 33 grams of sugar per day (depending on age) - but some energy drinks contain up to 40 grams of sugar.

The study has been published in the journal Academic Pediatrics.